Is AI the future of education?

Artificial intelligence (AI) in education was once only considered a tool used by students to write their essays, but schools in the United Kingdom are now starting to use the technology themselves.

AI as co-pilot

A boarding school in West Sussex now has an AI head teacher who acts as a “co-pilot” with the school's human leader, Tom Rogerson. Cottesmore School has also allowed students to design their perfect tutor using the technology. The government has said that AI has the power to “transform” education.
‍
This feature, used by the West Sussex boarding school, is similar to the Wolley position within Brainvine. Curious about the endless possibilities? Make easy create an account in Brainvine.

How AI is being used

The AI head teacher was deployed to provide advice on issues such as how to support teachers and staff, as well as ways to help children with additional needs. In addition, the AI tutors were introduced so that students could ask questions when one-on-one time with their teachers was not available.

The future impact

Dr Chris Trace, head of digital learning processes at the University of Surrey, explained that AI is “here to stay, and it just keeps getting better and faster.” He said: “In the future work environment, I see that AI will be an integral tool. Your job may not be replaced by AI, but it will probably be replaced by someone who can use AI.”

The concerns

Head teacher Mr Rogerson said it was “hugely important” that human teachers always stay in the picture. Students should also be taught about the limitations of AI. A prominent concern at the national level is that students are plagiarizing with AI. Dr. Trace explained that much of the original work on AI and education focused on combating cheating.

Cerys Walker, digital services leader for Turner Schools in Folkestone, says teachers can use detection programs, but AI can “produce results that look so natural that they are difficult to recognize.” She also explained that not all students had the same level of access to technology at home, which “could increase the disadvantage.”

The Department of Education said that to realize the potential of AI, both opportunities and risks must be understood.