Is an AI-powered Eye-Tracking Tool the Future of Education?

Maltese teachers have the unique opportunity to weigh in on an EU-funded research project that is exploring how an AI-facilitated eye-tracking tool can be used in classrooms to help support students’ reading comprehension.

The EU-funded EYE-TEACH project aims to develop and launch an AI-assisted eye-tracking tool that will give teachers tangible help in the classroom. Eye-tracking technology will follow students’ eye movements as they read texts on an eye-tracking-powered device, and then the custom-developed AI algorithm will analyse this raw eye-movement data to provide teachers with real-time analytics.

The tool will allow teachers to identify issues such as the assigned reading material being too difficult, spot students who are distracted, and even help pinpoint those students who might have reading difficulties.

The EYE-TEACH tool cannot be developed in a vacuum by the project researchers: to ensure it reflects the real needs of Malta’s teachers, and functions within everyday classroom realities, the project is gathering direct input from teachers via an international survey.

This survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and asks about teachers’ experiences with AI‑technologies, their needs, and their readiness to use such tools.

Teachers’ input will directly inform the development of practical, inclusive, and ethical solutions for classrooms across Europe. Participation is open to educators at all levels (primary, secondary, VET, adult education, and higher education). No prior experience with AI or eye-tracking technology is required.

This study is anonymous and participation is entirely voluntary, and fully compliant with research ethical requirements and GDPR.

To participate, follow the survey link, hosted on the University of Antwerp website.

The project brings together the efforts of researchers and experts in education, eye tracking, AI, and EdTech from 9 European countries, under the leadership of the University of Turku (Finland), and with the participation of AcrossLimits, a Maltese research and innovation SME.

For any questions on the EYE-TEACH project, please contact Rebecca Zammit. For more information, visit www.eyeteach.eu or follow the project on Facebook, LinkedIN, Instagram, and Bluesky where all handles are @eyeteacheu.