Joy of Technology

Transformative Power of GenAI in Education

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and City of Westminster invited me to give a keynote at their School Governors Conference on 1 February, 2025. I talked about:

• Why is it important to transform education to meet the needs of learners and teachers in an increasingly AI-driven world?
• What examples exist to show how teachers and AI can collaborate?
• How can you as governors and school leaders ensure that we maximise the benefits of AI while reducing the risk?

Delegates learnt about how AI can personalise learning experiences for students, enhance teacher effectiveness by automating administrative tasks, and provide data-driven insights for better educational outcomes. It was a great discussion on the role of school leaders and governors in harnessing AI’s benefits while addressing ethical concerns and bridging the digital divide.

Key recommendations were to:

1. Develop Clear AI Policies: Schools must establish guidelines on AI use, ensuring compliance with data protection, keeping children safe in education and intellectual property laws while promoting transparency in how AI interacts with student data.

2. Ensure Equity in Access: AI should not deepen educational inequalities. We must bridge the digital divide by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to the necessary technology and internet connectivity.

3. Invest in Teacher CPD: Educators need professional development on AI’s role in the classroom. Investing in AI literacy training will empower teachers to use AI effectively and critically.

4. Promote Ethical AI Use: Schools must educate students about AI ethics, including bias, misinformation, and responsible usage, to prepare them for the realities of an AI-driven world.

5. Encourage Human-AI Collaboration: AI should never replace the human connection that teachers bring to learning. We must balance AI-driven efficiencies with the irreplaceable value of teacher-student relationships.