Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool for students to enhance their essays; schools in South East England are now leveraging the technology to transform the educational landscape. At the forefront of this change is Cottesmore School in West Sussex, where an AI head teacher collaborates with the human head teacher, Tom Rogerson, acting as a "co-pilot" in school leadership.
Cottesmore School has implemented AI in various innovative ways. Besides the AI head teacher, the school allows students to design their ideal tutor using the technology. The government has recognized AI's potential to "transform education," and Cottesmore School is a testament to this vision.
In some South East schools, AI assists with tasks like formatting worksheets. However, Cottesmore's AI head teacher provides more complex support, advising on teacher and staff support and assisting children with additional needs. "It's there for advice, to clarify thoughts, and as a sounding board," said Tom Rogerson.
The school has also adopted AI tutors to answer student queries when teachers are unavailable. Additionally, the "my future school" project encourages students to design their ideal school with AI's help, fostering creativity and innovation.
At Turner Schools in Folkestone, Kent, AI is integrated into lessons to teach students responsible usage, preparing them for a future where AI will be an essential tool in the workplace.
Dr. Chris Trace, head of digital learning at the University of Surrey, emphasized that AI's role in education is set to grow. "In the future world of work, AI will be an integral tool," he stated. While AI might not replace jobs, it will be crucial for those who can effectively utilize it.
Dr. Trace predicts that AI will track student progress, identifying areas where they excel and where they need help. This personalized approach could revolutionize education, making it more efficient and tailored to individual needs.
Tom Rogerson believes AI will "turn education on its head," providing bespoke teaching methods and improving overall efficiency.
Despite the promising potential, there are significant concerns about AI in education. Rogerson stresses the importance of maintaining the presence of human teachers and educating students about AI's limitations. "It's very important that we don't humanize the technology too much and we realize what it is and treat it as such," he said.
Dr. Trace highlighted the need for careful consideration of AI's use, balancing its advantages and drawbacks. Nationally, there is concern over AI being used for plagiarism. Ms. Cerys Walker, digital provision leader at Turner Schools, pointed out the challenges in detecting AI-generated work and the risk of increased disadvantage for students with unequal access to technology.
Ms. Walker also underscored the responsibility of schools to teach ethical AI use and its potential downsides. The Department for Education echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI to fully realize its potential.
Dr. Chris Trace from the University of Surrey believes AI will become "integral" in the future.
As AI continues to evolve, its integration into education in South East England represents a pioneering step towards a technologically advanced and personalized learning environment. The journey will require careful navigation to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.
