Lack of AI Guidance Risks Leaving Teachers Behind

The absence of a formal AI policy from the Department of Education poses a significant risk of a “cohort of teachers being left behind,” according to Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly. As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, an increasing number of educators and students are integrating it into their daily activities.

Concerns Over AI Use in Education

Worries have emerged that students’ use of AI could undermine the integrity of exams like the Leaving Cert, with Trinity Professor Luke O’Neill suggesting that AI might eventually replace human teachers. During a discussion on Newstalk Daily, Kelly highlighted the current lack of a uniform policy regarding the implementation of technology, including AI, across schools.

“If you have a tech literate teacher who is really interested in technology and engages with it effectively, then that’s phenomenal,” she explained. Kelly stressed the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of how AI could assist educators, including potential time-saving benefits and enhancing children’s learning outcomes.

Need for AI Training and Guidance

To ensure that no teachers are left behind, Kelly advocates for AI training courses aimed at educators, helping them to navigate the ethical and privacy issues surrounding the technology. Her frustration is palpable, as she notes the absence of guidance despite significant technological developments.

“Things have evolved so much now,’” she commented, emphasizing the urgency for schools to establish formal policies. “Schools need comprehensive social media guidelines and to ensure GDPR compliance, including obtaining parental consent regarding students.”

Waiting for Official Guidance

The Department of Enterprise has initiated the formation of an AI Advisory Council that aims to provide expert guidance to the government on emerging issues in AI. However, Kelly cautions that it may take years before concrete operational guidance reaches schools.

She predicts that in the interim, teachers and students will increasingly adopt AI independently, creating their own methods of engagement with the technology. This could exacerbate the existing divide between tech-savvy educators and those who may struggle to keep pace.

As educators navigate an evolving landscape, the pressing need for immediate and actionable AI policies becomes apparent, aimed at ensuring that all teachers can effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices.