A recent job advert inspired the creation of this blog. The company is called No Isolation and its founder Karen Dolva from Norway has been named the World’s Top 50 Women in Tech by Forbes.
Karen created AV1 a telepresence robot connecting absent students to learning, ensuring belonging, and supporting reintegration back into the classroom. Although AV1 doesn’t use AI, it got us thinking about the rise of technology and AI in education
One of the eye-catching headlines:
Twickenham boy uses robot to help with schoolwork during cancer treatment
‘A local boy from Twickenham, London, has received an AV1 (avatar and audio-visual) robot to help him with his schoolwork while he receives cancer treatment.
Howard Thomas, 12, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in December last year and started receiving chemotherapy in January.
Howard is well enough to attend school on a part-time basis, but the side effects from intensive chemotherapy sessions have meant he has had to spend a lot of time away from the classroom.’
This got us thinking about how artificial intelligence (AI) and pioneering EdTech, used in the right way for the right reasons could revolutionise the education sector. As UK classrooms increasingly integrate AI and Educational technologies, the landscape of teaching and learning is undergoing a significant transformation. The BETT show was full of companies selling the latest EdTech (in particular AI) some of which came with a hefty price tag which potentially priced out most state schools.
You can read more about the EdTech organisation No Isolation and their UK case studies here: No Isolation
But, what are the multifaceted roles of AI in UK classrooms, its benefits, and the challenges it presents?
The Rise of AI in Education
Artificial intelligence, once a futuristic concept, creatively explored in films, is now a tangible reality in educational environments. From intelligent tutoring systems to AI-driven administrative tools, the adoption of these technologies aims to enhance the educational experience for both students and educators.
Personalised Learning Experiences
One of the most significant benefits of AI in the classroom is the ability to provide personalised learning experiences. AI-powered platforms can analyse individual students’ learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses, tailoring educational content to meet their specific needs. This personalisation helps ensure that each student can learn at their own pace and receive support where it is most needed.
Adaptive Learning Software
Tools like CenturyTech, Seneca Learning and Sparks use AI to adapt the difficulty of tasks based on student performance, ensuring that learners remain engaged and challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
Enhancing Teacher Efficiency
AI is not just a boon for students; it can significantly aid teachers by automating administrative tasks, thus allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and student interaction.
- Automated Marking/Grading
- AI can handle the marking and grading of multiple-choice tests and even some aspects of essay evaluations, saving teachers valuable time.
- Attendance Tracking and Behaviour Monitoring
- Systems like Class Charts can automate attendance records and monitor student behaviour, providing teachers with insights into classroom dynamics and individual student needs.
- Improving Accessibility and Inclusion – AI technologies play a crucial role in making education more inclusive and accessible, especially for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Speech Recognition and Natural Language Processing – Tools such as Voiceitt can assist students with speech impairments by translating their spoken words into text.
- AI-Powered Translation – Applications like Google Translate help bridge language barriers for students with English as an additional language (EAL), fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
Preparing Students For The Future
Integrating AI into the classroom also prepares students for a future where AI is likely to be prevalent in many of their careers. Programmes like Scratch and Microsoft’s AI for Good challenge encourage students to learn coding and understand the basics of AI, fostering essential digital literacy skills. By interacting with AI technologies, students gain essential skills and familiarity with tools they are likely to encounter in their professional lives.
Challenges And Considerations
While the benefits of AI in education are substantial, there are also challenges and ethical considerations that need addressing.
- Data Privacy – The use of AI requires significant amounts of data, raising concerns about student privacy and data security. Schools must ensure compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Equity of Access – There is a risk that AI could widen the gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds if access to technology is unequal. Ensuring equitable access to AI tools is crucial.
- Teacher Training – For AI to be effectively integrated, teachers must be adequately trained to use these new technologies. Professional development and ongoing support are essential.
Conclusion
The integration of AI and EdTech in UK classrooms holds tremendous potential to transform education by providing personalised learning, enhancing teacher efficiency, improving accessibility, and preparing students for a technologically advanced future. However, it is essential to navigate the accompanying challenges carefully to ensure that the benefits of AI are realised equitably and ethically.
As we continue to embrace AI in education, the goal should remain clear: to enhance learning outcomes and create an inclusive, efficient, and forward-thinking educational environment for all students, thanks to organisations like No Isolation the future of EdTech in schools can be incredibly positive.
