The Future of Technology – Students’ views on AI, LLMs and asynchronous learning
While the acceleration of AI and Language Learning Models (LLMs) has been the headline for many school technology discussions in recent times, it’s encouraging to learn that students still prefer the interactions of a human teacher.
The usage of LLMs such as Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT for homework is perhaps unsurprising; less optimistic is the idea that there’s a lack of retention of information when using these tools. This indicates a trend that they’re either not properly trained in its usage, or there’s a wider fundamental concern about their access to such software.
The DfE has its own guidelines on the use of AI in the classroom, which puts the onus on the education system to help students identify appropriate resources and prevent over-reliance.
The overarching view is that technology is here to stay and these tools will become an ever-increasing presence in the traditional classroom, with this generation of students at the forefront. While synchronous learning might afford students the flexibility to learn both in school and at home, crucially, asynchronous learning powered by technology gives the option to work at your own pace and to gain direct feedback from a pre-programmed system.
This looks to be the vision many students have of the classroom of the future, with the traditional pen making way for exclusively computer-based writing practices.