14 JUN 2023

DfE call for evidence - AI in education

Education secretary Gillian Keegan is launching a call for evidence on using artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT in education “to get the best” out of the new technology.

Keegan will tell the London Tech Week conference she wants to “kick start a conversation” with experts on using generative AI in a “safe and secure way”.

She believes teachers’ day-to-day work could be “transformed” by the emerging tech and help with workload, but that the standard is not yet there.

It comes a mid growing debate about the role AI should play in education – with fears it could be used for cheating by students.

Keegan is inviting schools, colleges and universities to respond to the call for evidence, which will close on August 23.

Ministers want to get a handle on how generative AI is being and could be used in education providers as well as any risks, ethical considerations and training needed for staff.

Keegan will tell tech experts the education workforce needs to be “best equipped with the skills and knowledge” so they can “ride the wave” of AI.

“For that potential to be realised, we – the government, our schools, colleges and universities – need to be able to understand those opportunities, as well as the real risks new technology brings.

“That’s why we want to kick start a conversation with experts from across education and technology to hear their views and learn from their experiences. This will help us make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.”

Source: Generative artificial intelligence in education call for evidence