Dundalk firm's research finds Irish teachers lack AI training and support
Survey conducted by IT managed services provider, Dundalk firm, Cusken Sync IT, found Irish Teachers rapidly adopting AI but 85% say they lack training and support
A survey conducted by IT managed services provider, Cusken Sync IT, has found that while Irish teachers are adopting digital tools and artificial intelligence in the classroom, many are doing so without the training, support, or safeguards needed to use them effectively.
The research, based on responses from 109 primary and secondary school teachers across Ireland, reveals that 91% of teachers are already using AI tools such as ChatGPT in their teaching or lesson preparation. However, this rapid adoption is largely unsupported, with 85% of respondents saying they would welcome formal guidance and training on the safe and effective use of AI in schools.
Despite widespread use of technology, significant gaps remain. While most teachers rate their school’s IT infrastructure as “very good" or "good”, close to 1 in 3 (32%) said IT in their school is only "adequate" or "poor".
Only 15% feel they have all the equipment they need to teach effectively, highlighting a disconnect between access and real-world classroom demands.
The findings also point to systemic issues beyond hardware. Technical Support was identified as a key area requiring improvement alongside access to appropriate student devices.
At the same time, 41% of teachers report receiving little or no regular training on digital teaching tools, suggesting that many are left to upskill independently.
Cybersecurity preparedness emerged as a key concern. 71% of teachers surveyed had not received cybersecurity training in the past two years, while a significant proportion report low confidence in understanding the risks facing schools.
As reliance on digital platforms increases, this raises concerns about schools’ ability to manage emerging threats.
Only 9% of teachers believe their school is fully equipped for modern, technology-driven teaching. 39% said their schools digital/IT readiness is average, below average or poor.
Joe Molloy, Managing Director, Cusken Sync IT said: “Teachers are already integrating AI into their work, but they’re doing so without consistent guidance or support.
“While the Department of Education’s new AI taskforce is a welcome move, our findings show the system is already under pressure. The gap between policy and practice is widening - and without faster delivery of training and support, schools risk falling behind the pace of change.”
Key findings:
- 91% of teachers are already using AI tools
- 85% want guidance or training on AI in education
- 71% have not received cybersecurity training in the past two years
- Only 9% feel fully equipped with the IT they have
- Technical Support and access to appropriate student devices ranked as the top area needing improvement.