In schools, the new buzz word is AI. From the students to the teachers, everyone seems to be talking about it, and in some cases, talking with it. The term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ has almost become synonymous with change. I find teachers are divided between the promise of what this new technology brings to the classroom, but also what it takes away.
Looking ahead to the upcoming STEM Community live event on November 7, I'll be joining host (STEM Community Manager Tim Bradbury) to talk about AI, exploring its potential to reduce teacher workload and the inherent challenges it poses to learning. I'm thrilled to be joined by Cihan Ozalevli, Chief Learning Officer and Co-founder of Twin Science. Together, we will delve into three interconnected themes.
Firstly, there is the issue of teacher agency to discuss. We will explore the many ways that teachers are using AI in the classroom, from lesson planning to programming personal Chatbots. For the uninitiated, AI touts the promise of reduced workload and gives you time back. On the surface this sounds great, but we will dig a little deeper to spotlight the movers and shakers in the field that are making a real difference to their own work/life balance. AI is a tool. If used well it can be transformative, but it is also capable of errors and hallucinations.
Working on the sharp edge of AI and innovation, Cihan has a unique perspective and it will be fascinating to hear his take. Beyond the hype and bold claims AI has real potential in the classroom. This will be the focus for the opening part of the discussion as we navigate the stormy waters of AI use and share some insights from the cutting edge.
Outside of teaching, my research sits at the intersection of AI and student voice, offering a unique perspective on emerging technology through the eyes of the children we teach. These children are often reminded that the world they will inherit is rapidly changing, and AI, when combined with other anthropocentric challenges like climate change and AI bias, can feel like a heavy burden.
We must approach this area with care. Recent Teacher Tapp (2024) data revealed a 27% increase in student use of ChatGPT from 2023 to 2024, yet 87% of teachers report not receiving high-quality CPD on AI. This is where STEM Learning can step in, offering a range of AI-related courses to bridge this gap. I will be sharing key research insights to help frame the discussion around the concerns both students and teachers have regarding AI. While these concerns are complex, issues like plagiarism, misuse, and safety remain constant. Cihan will provide a global perspective, highlighting how these challenges connect to AI ethics within our educational context.
The final part of the session will deal with AI ethics. The message is to teach our children to ‘think with care’. As with many emerging technologies – AI offers great promise, but it also presents inherent risk. Understanding these risks and how to navigate them is a priority for us now, particularly in schools. As AI starts to infiltrate our schools, we must ensure we are ready for it. This journey starts with us, the teachers!
As educators, both Cihan and I are active in the classrooms. Cihan has done some amazing work in an array of educational settings, from schools to earthquake recovery camps. I set up the Future Classroom project in Dorset and have been pioneering some new technologies that have transformed the texture of learning for 22k young people. Together, we will offer a balanced perspective of where we are with this new technology, and importantly, where we might be heading. It would be great if you could join us live. There will be a chance to ask questions and engage with us during the session - I'm looking forward to it.
The next STEM Community Live will be on 7 November at 4pm - to join, simply visit STEM Community and click the link on the homepage which will take you straight to the Teams call.