The recently published DfE report, 'Generative AI in education: educators and expert views'[1], says that, ‘when used appropriately, technology (including GenAI) has the potential to reduce workload across the education sector and free up teachers’ time, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent teaching’.[2]
The report also finds that there has been a rapid increase in the use of GenAI over the last year.[3] Drawing on the findings of a TeacherTapp survey, it reports that 42% of teachers had used GenAI to help with school work, with younger, male teachers working in secondary schools and teachers working in independent schools being the most likely users of GenAI.[4] Typically, GenAI was being used to create lessons or curriculum resources (67%) or to plan lessons (42%).
Users of GenAI identify the following as important in supporting and encouraging wider adoption of GenAI in their institution: AI educator 'champions', a digitally mature institution (e.g. a strong infrastructure, resources directed to IT training and support, widespread use of EdTech (with processes to review and approve GenAI tools as part of a broader process for reviewing and approving EdTech tools), collaboration so that knowledge can be shared with other teachers and support from senior leadership in creating a culture that is innovative and supportive.[5]
While these are helpful in providing pointers to things that need to be addressed if AI and EdTech are to transform education, it is also important to consider the risks arising from the use of AI and technology in education.
Many reports highlight the risk that AI, digitalisation and EdTech could increase inequities between advantaged and disadvantaged schools and learners, for instance in terms of access to the tech, infrastructure and support needed to take advantage of their potential applications. There is also a strong focus on risks relating to data, privacy and security, particularly for learners. Also, increasingly, concerns are being raised about the risks of bias, misinformation and disinformation and – in relation to GenAI – the risk of cheating.