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Ask the expert…

 

This International Day of Education (Friday 24th January 2025), we’re exploring the transformative potential of AI in education. Emma Ford, a former headteacher who now works with schools and education organisations across the country on a range of areas including self-evaluation, curriculum development, coaching, and induction programmes through her company, EVF Education which provides bespoke development services to improve schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK. Here Emma shares her perspective on how AI is changing the educational landscape. 

As a former headteacher, how do you see AI impacting teachers and students in the classroom?

 

I believe AI has the potential to transform education by creating a more personalised, efficient, and effective learning experience for both students and teachers. 

 

  • Personalised Learning: Tailoring education to individual student needs. 
  • More Efficient Teacher Workload: Freeing up valuable time for reflection and direct interaction with pupils, focusing on their learning. 
  • Targeted Professional Development: Providing more precise insights into knowledge gaps, leading to more effective professional development opportunities. 
  • Adaptive Teaching: Expanding real-time adaptive teaching resources, similar to what we see in some Maths and Reading apps. 
  • Instant Feedback: Facilitating instant feedback for both pupils and teachers, enabling more timely adjustments and improvements. 

What are the biggest hurdles and exciting possibilities you see for schools adopting AI tools?

 

The successful integration of AI in education presents both exciting possibilities and significant hurdles. By tackling these challenges head-on schools can use AI to make learning better, more fun, and fair for every single student. 

 

  • Equity and Access: Ensuring all students have equal access to AI, particularly in underfunded schools or those with older IT infrastructure. 
  • Teacher Training: Ensuring effective integration of AI through adequate teacher training, with universities needing to be ahead of the curve in preparing future educators. 
  • Cost: Addressing potential funding challenges in acquiring these new tools, especially when other priorities, such as SEND staffing, compete for resources. 
  • Bias: Being aware of the impact of potential biases in AI algorithms. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in teaching, considering the growing role of AI?

 

I would say to embrace lifelong learning. Seek out schools that recognise themselves as learning organisations for all stakeholders, as these schools will be at the forefront of change and development in AI.  

 

  • Stay Curious: Explore the potential of AI in education. 
  • Experiment: Try new AI tools and approaches. 
  • Blend Technology with Teaching: Never lose sight of your human skills as a teacher. 

 

By keeping these ideas in mind, you can successfully teach in today’s changing world and make learning really matter for your students. 

AI in Education

 

AI presents a significant opportunity to transform education for the better, offering personalised learning, more efficient processes for teachers, and enhanced learning experiences for students. However, careful consideration must be given to issues of equity, training, cost, and bias. By embracing lifelong learning, staying curious, and experimenting with new tools while retaining the core human elements of teaching then teachers can effectively navigate this evolving landscape.  

 

Emma Ford is one of the fantastic trainers partnered with Affinity Academy to deliver courses to candidates, ensuring they are well-equipped for the future of education. Click below to read more about upcoming courses. 

Learn more about Affinity Academy