AI in Education – Empowering Learners to Shape the Future
AI in Education, Britain’s first cross-sector body dedicated to ensuring the benefits of AI reach everyone involved in education, has been launched by Sir Anthony Seldon and Alex Russell. This non-profit organization, developed by teachers themselves, aims to prioritize the interests of young people as AI continues to rapidly advance in the field of education.
The body behind AI in Education consists of leading teachers from various sectors and levels of education, as well as the heads of the UK’s examination boards. Chaired by filmmaker and parliamentarian Lord David Puttnam, this group of experts will provide real-time guidance and advice to the education sector, enabling schools to optimize the advantages of AI while minimizing any potential risks.
Sir Anthony Seldon, Head of Epsom College, emphasizes the need for schools to take control of the conversation surrounding AI, as the technology is developing at an unprecedented rate. He highlights that AI is moving too quickly for government or parliament to provide timely advice, making it essential for schools to actively shape AI’s role in education.
AI in Education boasts 100 founders, including leading scientists, technologists, and AI specialists from reputable institutions such as Google, Cambridge University, and the Alan Turing Institute. Lord Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, is also among the notable founders.
Sir Anthony Seldon acknowledges the importance of this collaboration, stating that the launch of AI in Education is highly significant and will ensure the maximal benefits of AI in education. It will also help safeguard the mental health, well-being, and educational interests of young people. The initiative aims to wrest control from tech companies and put it in the hands of educators, who will work towards the greater good of all learners.
AI in Education will provide guidance, advice, case studies, and political lobbying to mitigate risks such as cheating, infantilization, and abuse. The organization aims to support deep learning, foster growth in human intelligence, and promote curiosity, truth, and respect for others.
To support their mission, AI in Education has launched a website (www.ai-in-education.co.uk) offering resources, advice, and case studies relevant to all educational settings. The website will be regularly updated to keep pace with the ever-evolving AI landscape.
The organization will kickstart its activities with a conference at Epsom College on November 22, 2023, followed by a comprehensive support program for educators within the sector.
With AI in Education leading the way, schools and stakeholders in the education sector will receive valuable advice and guidance from experts in politics, business, technology, and psychology. By prioritizing the interests of the least advantaged and those with learning difficulties, AI in Education aims to ensure that AI technologies are in the best interest of all learners.
Overall, AI in Education is set to revolutionize the way AI is integrated into education, allowing schools to harness its potential while safeguarding the well-being and educational interests of young people. This pioneering initiative promises to reshape the future of education for the better.
