The artificial intelligence revolution is transforming education at an unprecedented pace. From reducing teacher workload to personalising learning experiences, AI is reshaping how we teach and learn. But what does this mean for educators, students, and the future of education?
Having attended BETT ’24, I was surprised by the absence of flashy tech stands you might have seen 10 years ago. They’ve been replaced by plain booths housing a couple of casually-dressed tech heads with a laptop in front of them. I heard pitch after pitch espousing how their AI could change my life with a few clicks.
How many companies are promising the moon on a stick and delivering a Chat GPT chassis with a Thomas the Tank Engine body kit to make us feel like it’s safe? Let’s explore the evidence.
The Current State of AI in Education
AI in education isn’t entirely new – its roots trace back to the 1950s when pioneers in AI were directly involved in educational research. However, recent advances in generative AI have accelerated adoption significantly. The UK government has recognised this potential, investing £2 million in Oak National Academy to develop AI-enabled lesson-planning assistants and announcing £4 million to make AI tools safer for classroom use.
Major educational technology companies are rapidly integrating AI into their platforms. Google For Education now offers AI-powered tools for generating questions and learning analytics, whilst Khan Academy’s ‘Khanmigo’ chatbot allows students to interact with AI-driven historical figures and literary characters.
Promising Benefits for Teachers
Significant Time Savings
Recent research from the Education Endowment Foundation provides compelling evidence for AI’s impact on teacher workload. In a randomised controlled trial involving 259 teachers across 68 secondary schools, those using ChatGPT alongside an implementation guide reduced their lesson planning time by 31%.
Specifically, teachers saved an average of 25.3 minutes per week on Year 7 and 8 science lesson planning, reducing their total planning time from 81.5 minutes to 56.2 minutes weekly. This represents a substantial saving that could help address the persistent issue of teacher workload and retention.
Practical Applications
Teachers are using AI tools for various tasks including:
- Drafting lesson plans and activities
- Creating questions and quizzes
- Generating activity ideas
- Tailoring materials for different student needs
- Producing accessible learning content for diverse learners
- Automating repetitive administrative tasks
Importantly, independent assessment found no noticeable difference in lesson quality between AI-assisted and traditional planning methods, though more research is needed to fully understand quality impacts.
Opportunities for Student Learning
AI offers several potential benefits for learners:
- Personalised Support: AI can provide tailored learning information adapted to individual student needs and learning styles
- Accessibility: Breaking down language barriers and providing affordable learning support
- Skill Development: Fostering critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and collaboration skills
- Formative Feedback: Offering immediate, personalised feedback on student work
Significant Challenges and Concerns
Technical Limitations
AI tools face several fundamental challenges:
- Accuracy Issues: AI models can generate inappropriate, biased, or factually incorrect information
- Assessment Concerns: Biased algorithms used for marking could lead to unfair results
- Copyright Risks: AI tools may use uncited material, raising intellectual property concerns
Impact on Learning and Development
Experts have raised concerns about AI potentially:
- Reducing students’ problem-solving abilities and independence
- Stifling skill development (for example, if AI generates code instantly rather than supporting understanding)
- Decreasing meaningful interactions between students and educators
- Exposing young people to inappropriate content
Equity and Access
The ‘digital divide’ remains a significant concern. Differing access to the infrastructure needed for AI tools – such as reliable internet and modern devices – could widen educational inequalities rather than narrowing them.
Privacy and Data Security
Educational institutions collect vast amounts of sensitive student data, and AI systems often require access to this information. This raises serious concerns about data breaches, inappropriate surveillance, and misuse of personal information. All of which could land trusts or local authorities with eye-watering fines if the data controller has not conducted a thorough Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA).
The Assessment Challenge
Perhaps the most immediate concern for educators is academic integrity. Generative AI’s ability to produce realistic written work has created widespread concerns about student cheating. Detecting AI use in student work is extremely challenging, as AI-detection tools improve alongside AI capabilities in an ongoing technological arms race.
Looking Forward: The Need for AI Literacy
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in society, education about AI itself becomes crucial. This includes:
- Digital Citizenship: Helping students understand how to use AI tools responsibly
- Workforce Preparation: Developing AI skills increasingly needed in the modern economy
- Critical Thinking: Teaching students to evaluate AI-generated content critically
- Ethical Awareness: Understanding the implications and limitations of AI systems
The Office for National Statistics reports that around one in six UK organisations now use at least one AI technology, highlighting the growing importance of AI literacy in the workforce.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the evidence, here are key considerations for educators:
- Start Small: Begin with specific, well-defined tasks like question generation or activity planning
- Maintain Quality Focus: Use AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, pedagogical expertise
- Invest in Training: Ensure teachers receive proper guidance on effective AI use
- Establish Clear Policies: Develop transparent guidelines for both staff and student AI use
- Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly assess the impact of AI tools on both efficiency and educational quality
The Human Element Remains Central
As Andreas Schleicher from the OECD notes, schools must “develop first-class humans, not second-class robots.” The goal isn’t to replace human educators but to augment their capabilities, freeing them to focus on what they do best: inspiring, mentoring, and connecting with students and their families.
Conclusion
AI in education presents both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges. The evidence suggests that when implemented thoughtfully, AI can reduce teacher workload without compromising quality. However, success depends on careful implementation, appropriate training, and ongoing evaluation.
The key is finding the right balance – harnessing AI’s efficiency gains whilst preserving the human connections and critical thinking skills that lie at the heart of great education. As we move forward, continued research, transparent dialogue, and evidence-based decision-making will be essential to ensure AI serves education’s fundamental purpose: helping every learner reach their full potential. One thing is obvious: if you don’t get on the train, you’ll be left standing on Sodor station (it’s a Thomas reference for those of you without children!)🚂
This article draws on research from the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the British Educational Research Association, and the Education Endowment Foundation. For educators interested in exploring AI tools, remember that successful implementation requires both technical understanding and pedagogical wizardry!
To learn more about how we’re using AI and VR to engage learners around the country, visit our EduPeopleVR page: https://peopleseducationsolutions.co.uk/edupeople-vr/