AI offers 'generational opportunity' for schools

A group of teachers has discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) might play a part in classrooms during an event held in Stoke-on-Trent.

Organised by the Good Future Foundation, it was hosted by Belgrave St Bartholomew's Academy, and also attended by Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner.

More than 40 teachers attended the full-day session, and discussed ways they might use AI in their teaching as well as the challenges it could pose.

Labour MP Gardner said the government believed AI was a "generational opportunity" for the country and that it offered teachers a lot of potential.

The foundation said just over a quarter of teachers felt confident about AI, and said it planned to roll out further sessions across the country.

"The government has already outlined how vital AI can be to the future of education in Britain," the foundation's executive director Daniel Emmerson said.

"It is vital that our educators are given the support they need to understand and implement this technology in the classroom to confidently prepare all students to benefit from and succeed in an AI infused world."

Attendees discussed and designed practical ways of using the technology in their own schools, including using AI to communicate more effectively with families with English as an additional language and using automated chatbots to help parents access school resources.

Labour MP Gardner commended St Bartholomew's for its use of AI in teaching, and said: "I want children from Stoke, in our community, to lead the way in utilising this opportunity so they are able to have the best start in life."

Daniel Drakeley, deputy head teacher at St Paul's C of E Primary in Stoke-on-Trent, said he had been using AI in the classroom and believed most teachers did.

"Whilst we want to ensure that we are at the forefront of harnessing new technology for the betterment of our pupils, we have responsibilities to protect our students from potential dangers," he said.

"I found it incredibly reassuring to hear from other teachers experiencing the same concerns," he added.

George Barlow, principal of Belgrave St Bartholomew's added that harnessing innovation to improve lessons was "fundamental" in how their school approaches teaching.

"We can ensure that our children are the ones who are equipped with the right skills and education to take advantage of the opportunities," he said.