This project, dubbed “AI for Education,” aims to revolutionize the marking of school homework and make it more efficient and effective. The project is being spearheaded by the Department for Education (DfE) and involves collaboration with several technology companies. The project’s success hinges on the creation of a comprehensive database that will serve as a foundation for the development of AI tools. The database will be populated with a variety of official documents, including:
* **Anonymised student assessments:** These provide valuable insights into student learning and progress, allowing AI to identify areas where students are struggling or excelling.
The Department for Science is developing a new AI-powered tool for teachers to help them identify students who are struggling. The tool is being developed in-house, and the Department for Science hopes it will be more accurate and reliable than existing commercial alternatives. The tool will be available to all pupils at both state and independent schools.
* **Human oversight:** What does this mean in practice? How can it be implemented effectively? * **Teacher’s role:** What specific tasks can teachers perform in this context? * **Consent:** What are the different types of consent that might be required?
It’s about building relationships and connecting with students.”
This statement highlights a crucial point about the role of technology in education. It emphasizes that while technology can be a valuable tool, it should not be the primary focus or the sole driver of educational improvement. The focus should be on the human element of teaching, on building strong relationships with students, and fostering a caring environment.