Professional Learning & Support
Effective use of AI in education depends on ongoing professional learning. As AI technologies continue to develop at pace, staff need structured opportunities to explore tools thoughtfully, evaluate their impact on practice and build confidence within a safe and supportive professional culture.
Professional learning must remain grounded in strong pedagogy. AI should enhance high-quality learning and teaching, strengthening professional judgement rather than replacing it.
Inspire Learning CLPL
Inspire Learning provides structured CLPL to support safe, purposeful and effective AI use across Scottish Borders Council schools.
This includes:
- Live professional learning sessions (online & in person)
- Quick Guide videos
- Prompt Libraries
- Prompt writing workshops
- Guidance on assessment integrity
- Case studies from local schools
- Tool-specific training (e.g. Adobe Express, Microsoft tools, Showbie AI features)
Sessions are designed to be practical and classroom-focused, supporting staff to trial ideas and refine practice confidently.
Staff are encouraged to:
- Attend relevant sessions
- Engage with recorded materials
- Share practice within departments
- Reflect on impact in their own context
AI professional learning should be embedded within wider digital and curricular development.
To help staff and students quickly create resources and learn how to write good prompts we have created a library of useful prompts based on feedback from staff and students.
Learning About AI: Courses for Educators
LeaFor staff who wish to deepen their understanding of Artificial Intelligence beyond classroom tools, a range of high-quality, free online courses are available. These courses focus on how AI works, its wider societal impact and the ethical considerations surrounding its development and use.
All courses listed below are free, self-paced and completed online. They are not education-specific, but they provide valuable background knowledge to support informed and responsible professional practice.
Forth Valley College – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
A foundation course introducing the core principles of AI. Suitable for beginners, it explains key concepts in an accessible way and provides a strong starting point for understanding how AI systems function. (Applicants must reside in Scotland.)
Google Cloud Skills Boost – Introduction to Generative AI
A structured learning pathway exploring generative AI, large language models and responsible AI principles. Includes short modules and digital badges on completion.
University of Helsinki – Elements of AI
A widely recognised introductory course designed to make AI understandable to everyone. Covers what AI is, what it can and cannot do, and how it affects society — no technical background required.
University of Helsinki – Ethics of AI
Focuses on the ethical and societal implications of AI, including fairness, accountability and responsible development. Supports critical understanding of AI in a wider context.
Google – Making Friends With Machine Learning
An accessible video-based introduction to machine learning and AI concepts, using real-world examples to explain how AI systems are built and operate.
Children’s Parliament – Why Children’s Rights Matter in AI
A series of eLearning modules exploring children’s rights in relation to AI, digital systems and data use. Particularly relevant for professionals working with young people.
Microsoft Courses for Educators
Microsoft provides a suite of free, self-paced professional learning modules specifically designed for educators. These courses focus on practical classroom application, responsible AI use and integration within Microsoft 365 Education tools.
AI for Educators Learning Path – Explores how AI can support teaching and learning, with practical classroom examples and guidance on responsible implementation.
Embark on Your AI Journey with Free AI Tools (Microsoft Learn) – A short introductory module outlining available AI tools within Microsoft 365 Education and how they can support professional practice.
AI for Education Learning Path (Microsoft Learn) – A structured pathway covering AI concepts, prompt design and practical classroom integration.
Generative AI for Teaching Bootcamp (Microsoft Learn) – A focused course exploring how generative AI can support lesson planning, assessment design and classroom tasks.
INSPIRE Prompt Libraries
To help staff and students quickly create resources and learn how to write good prompts we have created a library of useful prompts based on feedback from staff and students.
Inspire Support
Staff are not expected to be AI experts. However, all staff are expected to engage with core guidance, uphold safeguarding and data protection standards and protect assessment integrity.
If you require clarification, advice or guidance regarding AI use, please contact:
Inspire Learning Support Email: Inspiresupport@glowmail.org.uk
Support may include:
- Advice on appropriate tool use
- Clarification on assessment expectations
- Safeguarding or data protection queries
- Classroom implementation guidance
- Strategic leadership support
