The Department for Education has solicited information on relational artificial intelligence from over 500 participants.
As per the outcomes of the inaugural Call for Evidence on Artificial Intelligence in Education released today by the government, professionals in education, AI technology experts, and ed-tech specialists are embracing the potential benefits of AI in the education domain.
The results suggest that many respondents recognize the advantages of AI and some are already employing AI tools to streamline administrative duties, create subject-specific materials, and provide tailored assistance to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Furthermore, the survey highlights opportunities for enhancing lesson engagement and supporting students with English as an additional language.
Respondents include educators from various institutions such as colleges, universities, The Alan Turing Institute, and Jisc.
The government is actively supporting the integration of AI in education, with the report laying the groundwork for future AI initiatives.
A collaborative two-day hackathon organized by the Department for Education in association with Faculty AI and the National Institute of Teaching brought together educators, leaders, students, and technical experts to explore AI applications. An additional investment of up to £2 million in the Oak National Academy for developing new AI-based educational tools was announced in October.
Gillian Keegan, the Director of Knowledge, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on work and learning. She stressed the importance of understanding and leveraging this technology effectively for optimal benefits.
Michael Webb, Director of Technology and Analytics at Jisc, commended the increasing adoption of AI in educational institutions and highlighted the need for training and guidelines to harness technology effectively and ethically.
The Technology in Schools Survey, released concurrently, outlines the current use of technology in schools and areas requiring improvement. The Department for Education aims to ensure high-speed connectivity in all schools by 2025 and is investing £200 million to enhance Wi-Fi access in 55 Education Investment Areas.
Morgan Briggs, Director of Legislation Research and Policy at The Alan Turing Institute, acknowledged the potential of relational AI in education while cautioning against associated risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and plagiarism. Involving young individuals in the development and application of AI is deemed crucial for maximizing its benefits.
Sir Antony Seldon, Principal of Epsom College and a leading figure in AI education, commended the proactive stance of the Department of Education towards AI. He stressed the importance of understanding both the opportunities and risks posed by AI in education.
Respondents expressed optimism about the benefits of AI in education while acknowledging risks related to hazardous content, intellectual property protection, and data accuracy.
The government’s AI Regulation White Paper outlines initial steps towards establishing a regulatory framework for AI, considering its broad impact across sectors including education.
The UK government is committed to adapting its regulatory approach as AI advances, with insights from the Call for Evidence shaping future policy decisions in this evolving landscape.
The UK hosted the second AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park earlier this year, aiming to foster global cooperation on ensuring AI safety.
The government’s focus on leveraging AI’s potential is evident in the publication of a study on AI’s impact on jobs and training, signaling a proactive approach to harnessing AI benefits.
The Department for Education is facilitating the integration of AI through various educational initiatives, including workshops, apprenticeships, and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement program. The report underscores the need for educational and workforce adaptations to capitalize on AI advancements.
In a pilot project with Faculty AI, the Department of Education explored the use of AI for analyzing Regional Skills Improvement Programs, with findings to be released in the spring, further advancing the understanding of AI’s impact on the education sector.
