Kathrin Probst, Engineering Director at Google for Education, shares insights on how AI and generative technologies like Gemini are transforming the learning experience. From freeing up teachers’ time by automating mundane tasks to enhancing student learning with AI-driven insights, Kathrin discusses Google’s vision for AI-powered education.
How can AI empower educators and students in meaningful ways?
What role does Gemini play in shaping the future of learning?
How is Google integrating learning science principles into AI for better educational outcomes?
Explore the power of AI in education and its potential to redefine learning for students of all abilities.

Speaker – Kathrin Probst, Director of Engineering, Google for Education

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Katie Mayne discusses the integration of digital technology and AI in education, ensuring students use tools like ChatGPT responsibly. From fostering responsible AI usage among students to leveraging inquiry-driven learning, Katie discusses the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in EdTech. Gain new insights on evaluating and embedding new technologies, fostering digital citizenship, and preparing students for future workplaces.

Speaker – Katie Mayne, Director of Learning and Innovation, Nishimachi International School, Japan

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29 November 2024

The University of Sydney is setting the pace with a new sector-leading assessment policy aimed at equipping students to use generative AI responsibly in their studies and future careers. Starting Semester 1, 2025, the University will allow AI tools to be used for assessments by default—except for exams, in-semester tests, or where teaching staff opt-out. This marks a bold step forward in modernising education while maintaining academic integrity.

From Semester 2, 2025, the University will implement a “two-lane approach” to assessments:

1. Secure, in-person assessments
   These will ensure students demonstrate the core knowledge, skills, and attributes detailed in course learning outcomes without external aids.
2. Open assessments
   Designed to embrace modern tools, these will allow students to use generative AI and other resources, fostering critical thinking and adaptability for the contemporary world. Students will be required to produce original work, transparently acknowledging their use of AI and other aids.

Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), highlighted the significance of the policy:
“This is a substantial change to our teaching assessment and program design, and it is absolutely necessary to ensure our graduates are equipped with the tools they need for the modern workforce. The changes we’re making ensure we are preparing students for their careers without compromising their learning or the integrity of our world-class education.”

The University has launched comprehensive training programs for staff alongside workshops, resources, and ongoing communications to support students and faculty in adapting to these changes. This initiative builds on a series of measures aimed at fostering equitable, effective, and ethical use of AI across the University.

Key initiatives include:

• Partnership with Microsoft: Providing free access to the generative AI tool, Copilot for Web, along with regular training sessions.
• AI Assistant ‘Cogniti’: A groundbreaking tool that allows teachers to create custom AI agents to assist students with syllabus content, answer questions, and deliver instant personalised feedback and support 24/7.

The University of Sydney’s efforts have earned it the title of AI University of the Year at the 2024 Future Campus Awards. These innovations ensure that the institution remains at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies in education, benefiting both students and staff.

With its forward-looking assessment framework, the University is setting a benchmark for higher education, preparing students not only to thrive academically but also to navigate and excel in an AI-driven world.

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25 October 2024

Ellucian has recently published its second annual AI in Higher Education Survey, offering an insightful overview of the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) across academic institutions. This year’s findings indicate that AI adoption in higher education is gaining significant momentum, with 61% of respondents now using AI for both personal and professional purposes, up from just 26% in 2023.

While the rising use of AI presents exciting opportunities for efficiency and productivity, the report also reveals growing concerns surrounding the ethical implications of AI, particularly in relation to academic integrity and mental health.

Growing Adoption and Increased Value of AI

The most striking finding in the report is the sharp rise in AI adoption over the past year. An impressive 61% of respondents reported using AI, a dramatic increase from the previous year’s 26%. This surge reflects how quickly AI tools are becoming essential to the higher education landscape, with 93% of administrators predicting an increase in AI usage for work-related purposes over the next two years.

AI is being embraced largely due to its potential to improve productivity and operational efficiency across various institutional roles. About 80% of respondents cited these benefits as the primary motivation behind AI adoption.

However, the degree of AI integration varies by business unit, with professionals in External Affairs leading the way and those in Student Affairs trailing behind. According to the survey, 84% of respondents reported using AI in both their personal and professional lives, a notable jump from 52% in 2023.

Concerns About Academic Integrity and Mental Health

Despite the positive outlook for AI in higher education, many respondents expressed concerns about its potential downsides. Nearly 80% of administrators foresee a negative impact on academic integrity due to the widespread use of AI, with worries that AI could undermine critical thinking and even affect student mental health.

In addition to ethical concerns, there are fears about the quality and fairness of AI algorithms. Data privacy, security risks, and potential biases in AI models are on the minds of many, adding to the sense of caution surrounding AI’s rapid proliferation.

Support and Training Lag Behind Demand

Although AI offers immense potential, many higher education administrators are grappling with the challenges of implementing these new technologies. Around 70% of respondents indicated a desire for more training on AI and its applications in higher education. Furthermore, almost 60% noted that they require additional budgets and resources to support the adoption and scaling of AI.

Institutional barriers, including limited understanding of AI’s capabilities and resistance to change, are slowing down broader adoption. The need for greater investment in training and resources will be crucial as AI becomes more deeply embedded in higher education operations 

Predictive Analytics and Positive Impact on Student Success

Despite concerns, respondents remain optimistic about the role AI can play in shaping the future of higher education. For the second consecutive year, respondents voiced confidence in AI’s potential to improve key outcomes such as enrolment and student success. Predictive analytics, for instance, are expected to drive significant improvements by helping institutions better anticipate student needs and enhance the overall educational experience.

Additionally, the report highlights a growing interest in generative AI capabilities, with 15% more respondents embracing AI’s ability to create content compared to last year.

While enthusiasm for AI continues to grow, there are still critical issues that need to be addressed—ranging from ethical concerns to the need for adequate training and support. As AI’s influence expands, institutions will need to strike a balance between leveraging its benefits and addressing the challenges it presents, ensuring that AI enhances the educational experience without compromising integrity or mental well-being.

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When we talk about smart campuses, the focus often falls on innovations in the classroom. Immersive learning, augmented reality, personalised experiences — it’s all about how technology is transforming education.

But before we achieve these breakthroughs, we must first consider the foundation that supports them: campus administrative and security operations — the backbone of every successful academic institution.

Without a safe and robust environment, attracting top talent, for one, will be a challenge. Educators already overwhelmed by administrative tasks will be wary of inefficient institutions. Parents will steer their children away from schools with inadequate safety measures. Administrators will feel frustrated with overwhelmingly repetitive and unproductive workloads.

Setting the stage for future-ready campuses

To power next-generation learning experiences, we need next-generation groundwork. Technology presents a powerful solution.

In the following sections, we will explore how emerging technologies, along with Canon’s innovative solutions, can transform campus operations and pave the way for a smarter, more efficient future in education.

Let’s dive in.

Streamlining administrative functions with smart solutions

An overly menial and inefficient campus administrative function can reduce productivity and morale among administrative teams. This can negatively impact the experiences of students and faculty — and ultimately undermine the institution’s competitiveness.

To stay ahead, campuses must embrace technology. Here’s how technology can streamline administrative workflows to enhance productivity and efficiency:

1. Simplifying student admissions and management

Ask any campus administrator and they will tell you how tedious and stressful the admissions process is, particularly during peak periods. Small teams often juggle tens of thousands of paperwork and applications, manually verifying, recording, assessing, and processing each one.

This labour-intensive process not only creates inefficiencies and human errors, but also hampers productivity across the board. With so much coordination needed between students and faculty, any slowdown in this process will impact everyone’s progress.

Canon’s Solution-in-Focus: Student Profile Management

Intelligent information management systems like Canon’s Student Profile Management can streamline the process and significantly lighten the workloads of administrative teams.

Here’s how it performs:

1. Automated Workflow
   The Student Profile Management system functions as a robust digital library that automatically captures, indexes, and stores student records in one central location. Staff simply upload their documents, and the system takes care of the rest.With records stored digitally, searching and retrieving information is effortless. Workflows can also be automated to further reduce the need for manual tasks, freeing administrators to focus on higher-value activities and meaningful interactions.

   

2. Intelligent Reporting
   An intuitive dashboard enables administrators to easily access information and generate reports. This gives them the insights needed to make informed decisions, whether in resource management or course planning, boosting efficiency across campus operations.

2. Automating attendance taking

Student attendance is an integral part of the classroom experience. It keeps students engaged and ensures they don’t miss out on learning opportunities, which are key to achieving better educational outcomes.

Effective monitoring not only helps keep students in the classrooms, but also plays a part in deterring chronic absenteeism. In fact, research shows that timely communication with parents about their child’s attendance can cut absenteeism rates by more than 10%^[1].

However, tracking attendance can be a labour-intensive task for both educators and administrators. Leveraging technology in this area can make a difference.

Canon’s Solution-in-Focus: Course Scheduling Attendance System (CSAS)

CSAS is a facial recognition-based attendance system designed to automate and streamline the attendance process. Here are two ways it can make the lives of educators and administrators easier and more efficient:

1. Seamless Access Control
   Advanced facial recognition devices at classroom entrances seamlessly verifies students’ registration status before granting access.This not only ensures that only registered students are allowed entry, but also enhances safety by preventing entry to unauthorised individuals. For students prone to entering the wrong classrooms, the system also serves as a helpful reminder to double-check their schedules.

2. Automated Attendance Taking
   Once access is granted, attendance is automatically recorded in the system, freeing educators from the burden of manual attendance-taking. This seamless process lets them focus on what they do best: teachingOn the back end, administrators can easily monitor attendance data and analyse trends to identify potentially truant students, facilitating timely interventions before issues escalate.

Strengthening safety and security with artificial intelligence

Schools are meant to be safe havens for staff and students, whether in K-12 or higher education. Yet, headlines of widespread school bullying^[2] and escalating campus violence^[3] tell a different story.

An unsafe environment can tarnish an institution’s reputation and prevent parents from entrusting their children to their care. While security teams and educators are doing their best to maintain safety, they can’t be everywhere at once. More can certainly be done to protect against and deter violent incidents on campus.

That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. With 24/7 monitoring capabilities, AI is the perfect ally for educators and security teams in creating a safer campus environment.

Canon’s Solution-in-Focus: Workplace AI

Workplace AI is a powerful edge computing solution that transforms existing surveillance cameras into proactive security teams. At its core, Workplace AI is a video analytics solution that leverages machine learning to develop specialised algorithms that detect custom events and provide real-time insights.

Potential campus use cases for Workplace AI.

1. Violence Detection

Workplace AI algorithms can be trained to identify violent behaviours, including physical altercations or the presence of weapons. When an incident occurs, the system will immediately trigger alerts to relevant personnel or authorities, ensuring swift intervention for everyone’s safety.

2. 24/7 Monitoring

Always on duty, Workplace AI enhances campus safety by detecting loitering and potential intrusions — including catching truant students attempting to leave school grounds. Real-time alerts enable security personnel or authorities to respond quickly to any threats or breaches.

3. Attire Detection

To protect student and personnel safety, certain areas on campus like laboratories and technical areas may require special safety attire. Workplace AI can facilitate compliance by detecting the right clothing requirements, assisting educators in upholding safety standards.

Tomorrow’s education begins with a smart campus today

Academic institutions play a crucial role in shaping future generations. As other industries embrace tomorrow’s technologies, they must ensure they are not left behind.

From streamlining administrative functions to enhancing campus security, technology can support and empower educators and administrators to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional learning experiences that pave the way for student success.

Work with Canon to kick-start your journey to educational success today!

^[1] 2023, How schools can use edtech to improve attendance, SIMS, https://www.ess-sims.co.uk/resources/blog/how-schools-can-use-edtech-to-improve-attendance
^[2] 2023, Ending bullying and violence in school should be a top priority in Asia-Pacific, UNESCO, https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ending-bullying-and-violence-school-should-be-top-priority-asia-pacific
^[3] 2022, Thailand massacre: ex-cop kills 24 children in knife and gun rampage, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/least-20-people-killed-mass-shooting-thailand-police-2022-10-06/

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19 September 2024

OpenAI has taken a significant step forward in its education efforts by appointing Leah Belsky, the former Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Coursera, as its first General Manager of Education, as reported by Bloomberg. Belsky, who was instrumental in Coursera’s global growth and spearheaded initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now focus on advancing OpenAI’s engagement with educational institutions.

In her new role, Belsky will drive the adoption of OpenAI’s AI products, such as ChatGPT, in schools, colleges, and continuing education programs. Her mission includes increasing engagement with teachers and students and collaborating with academic leaders to integrate AI solutions across various educational levels.

OpenAI’s interest in the education sector is clear. Belsky’s appointment reinforces the company’s ambition to make AI tools more accessible to educational institutions worldwide. The company already partners with organisations such as Arizona State University, where ChatGPT is being utilised from research to teaching.

To support this, OpenAI recently launched a tailored version of its flagship tool, ChatGPT Edu, specifically designed for educational purposes. This version includes custom controls and special pricing to cater to the unique needs of schools, universities, and other learning institutions.

Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed his excitement for Belsky’s arrival, stating, “Leah will accelerate our work with leading academic institutions to ensure that people working across all disciplines and industries have the training they need to maximise the benefits of AI.”

During her tenure at Coursera, Belsky played a pivotal role in increasing the platform’s reach. Under her leadership, Coursera grew exponentially, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the platform’s freemium model provided critical educational access to millions of users.

Belsky’s hiring comes at a crucial time for OpenAI, which has recently made strides with the launch of its new AI model, “Strawberry.” The model boasts enhanced reasoning and problem-solving capabilities, promising significant advancements in educational applications.

To further solidify its role in the academic sector, OpenAI will host a meeting in October with presidents and provosts from leading universities. The focus of the event will be on the effective and responsible use of AI in higher education, including its impact on teaching and research.

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17 September 2024

In a significant development aimed at supporting teachers across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, the NSW Department of Education is set to roll out a generative AI app to all public school teachers by the beginning of Term 4 in October. This app, named NSWEduChat, follows a successful trial that began in early 2024 and expanded to 50 schools by Term 2. Feedback from participating teachers highlighted the tool’s potential to streamline workloads, allowing for greater focus on classroom teaching.

The trial initially kicked off in 16 schools and was broadened due to its promising results. The tool is specifically designed to ease the administrative burden on educators, offering tailored versions for both teachers and students. The teacher-focused version was purpose-built to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks such as producing resources, adjusting lesson materials, and managing communications.

Positive results from trial

During the trial, teachers reported significant time savings, particularly in creating resources that cater to different student abilities and interests. For some, the tool reduced the time spent on administrative tasks by more than an hour per week. The AI-powered platform also proved beneficial in organizing correspondence and preparing materials like newsletters, further streamlining teachers’ responsibilities.

The primary goal of introducing NSWEduChat is to explore how generative AI can enhance teaching and learning by minimizing the administrative workload. This aligns with the broader commitment by the Minns Labour Government to reduce teachers’ admin load by five hours per week—a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in NSW.

AI tool to enhance classroom learning, not replace teachers

Prue Car, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, emphasised that the tool is not intended to replace the essential work of teachers but rather to support them. “Teachers who have been using this tool say it’s helping them spend less time on admin, enabling them to focus on teaching,” said Car. “NSWEduChat does not replace the valuable work of our teachers – it helps them to save time, tailor their resources, and focus on their critical work in the classroom.”

Ensuring secure and optional sse

NSWEduChat is hosted within the Department of Education’s secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring that all data remains protected. While the use of the tool is entirely optional, the department is providing teachers with access to professional development resources, including workshops and online guides, to help them integrate the AI tool effectively into their work routines.

With this systemwide rollout, the NSW Department of Education aims to further examine the impact of NSWEduChat on teachers’ time management and its contribution to improving the quality of student learning experiences.

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10 September 2024

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its elementary and middle school education systems. This effort is part of a broader strategy to establish Taiwan as a leader in AI education across Asia within the next two years, according to Deputy Minister of Education Yeh Ping-cheng. The initiative reflects Taiwan’s growing commitment to fostering digital literacy and preparing students for the future of work in a technology-driven world.

AI education at all levels

The Ministry, led by Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao, has made significant strides in advancing AI education. A key milestone is the establishment of the Taiwan AI College Alliance, designed to enhance AI curricula at the university level. This alliance connects academic institutions with cutting-edge AI developments, ensuring that university students receive top-tier education in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

The push for AI education doesn’t stop at higher education. Taiwan’s high schools are beginning to offer AI courses, while younger students in elementary and junior high schools are being introduced to generative AI learning partners—interactive tools that help students explore AI concepts in an engaging way. To further motivate students, the Ministry has organised AI competitions, fostering creativity and application of AI models in real-world problem-solving scenarios.

Tailored AI programs for high school students

The MOE has also commissioned National Taiwan Normal University’s Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development and National Taiwan University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering to develop specialised AI courses for high school students. Professors Tsai Yun-cheng and Chang Jie-fan are spearheading this effort by designing a variety of elective AI courses aimed at students nationwide, including those in vocational schools.

To ensure equitable access to these courses, Tsai and Chang developed an online system that reviews students’ program codes, facilitating distance learning and making quality AI education accessible to students in both urban and rural settings. This semester, 23 high schools and vocational schools, including two located in remote areas, are participating in this pioneering program, offering students a chance to explore the world of AI through elective coursework.

Expanding opportunities for younger students

Beyond high school, the Ministry has extended its focus to junior high and elementary students by collaborating with National Cheng Kung University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering. Led by Professor Su Wen-yu, the collaboration involves organising AI competitions specifically for younger students. These competitions challenge students to apply AI models to real-world problems, nurturing critical thinking and practical application skills from an early age.

This year, the AI competition is expanding into an international online event, encouraging participation from students across borders. The MOE also introduced a new AI learning partner on its official website, designed to bridge the digital learning gap between urban and rural students, ensuring that all students have the tools and resources to engage with AI technologies.

A vision for the future of digital learning

In conjunction with its AI initiatives, the MOE recently unveiled its Digital Teaching Guidelines 3.0. These guidelines are intended to promote active involvement from both principals and parents in the digital learning journey of students. By fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and students, the Ministry aims to create a holistic digital learning environment that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly digitalised world.

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5 September 2024

The annual IPSOS Education Monitoring Report for 2024 has just been released, shedding light on the perceptions of education systems across 30 countries worldwide. This comprehensive study involved over 20,000 adults, including both parents and non-parents, offering a wide lens on the current state of global education.

Global satisfaction with education systems

When it comes to the overall quality of education, opinions are divided. On average, 33% of respondents across the surveyed countries rated their nation’s education system positively, while 36% felt that it was underperforming. Interestingly, this general perception appears to have little correlation with a country’s actual performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores, highlighting a possible disconnect between public opinion and measurable educational outcomes.

Divided opinions on AI and technology in education

One of the most notable changes since last year’s report is the growing divide in attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in light of the explosive development of generative AI tools. 36% of respondents now believe that AI-powered tools like ChatGPT should be banned from schools, a significant jump from 29% in the previous year. This opinion is especially prevalent in countries such as Canada (52%), France (51%), and Australia (49%), where half the population supports such a ban. On the other hand, opposition to banning AI in schools remains strong in Túrkiye (24%), Thailand (22%), and Japan (20%).

The report also notes a broader societal pushback against technological advances in education. A 7-point increase was observed in the number of people predicting that future technological advancements will negatively impact education. 25% of participants expressed concern that technology might do more harm than good in the coming years.

The role of social media

Social media, another technological aspect, continues to face scrutiny, particularly regarding its impact on young students. The report shows that the majority of respondents in 29 out of 30 countries support banning children under the age of 14 from using social media, both inside and outside school settings. This highlights the growing concern over the influence of social platforms on children’s well-being and education.

Key challenges facing education systems

In terms of challenges, 29% of respondents across the 30 countries identified an outdated curriculum as the greatest issue facing their education systems. Other significant challenges included a perceived lack of funding, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate teacher training. A growing focus on student well-being was also apparent, with 1 in 2 respondents feeling that schools need to prioritise mental health and student support more than they currently do.

Additionally, there is a strong desire for schools to better equip students with knowledge of emerging technologies. Close to 50% of participants agreed that more should be done to teach students about AI, coding, and other technological advancements, reflecting the rising demand for a curriculum that better prepares students for the digital future.

Parents’ perspectives

Interestingly, parents of school-aged children were found to be generally more optimistic than the broader population regarding the state of education in their country. This could suggest that firsthand experience with schools may provide a more nuanced view compared to those without direct involvement in the education system.

Conclusion

The IPSOS 2024 Education Monitoring Report offers a complex picture of global education, where both optimism and caution exist side by side. While many believe that more needs to be done to address technological advancements and student well-being, challenges such as outdated curricula, funding shortages, and the role of social media remain pressing issues for educators and policymakers alike. As countries grapple with these challenges, this report serves as a critical benchmark for understanding public sentiment on the future of education. Full report available here.

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2 September 2024

In a groundbreaking move, a private school in London is set to open the UK’s first classroom where artificial intelligence (AI) replaces traditional human teachers. David Game College, a prestigious institution, will launch this innovative teacherless course for 20 GCSE students this September, signalling a major shift in how education is delivered in the UK.

This pioneering AI-driven classroom leverages cutting-edge technology to offer a highly personalised learning experience. Students will engage with a variety of AI platforms on their computers, coupled with virtual reality headsets, creating a unique and immersive educational environment. The AI system is designed to understand each student’s strengths and weaknesses, dynamically adjusting lesson plans to cater to their specific needs.

For example, topics where a student excels are deferred until the end of the term for revision, while subjects requiring more focus are addressed promptly. This bespoke approach ensures that each student’s educational journey is tailored to their individual learning pace and style, a level of precision and continuous evaluation that co-principal John Dalton believes is beyond the capabilities of even the best human teachers.

“There are many excellent teachers out there, but we’re all fallible,” Dalton stated. “Achieving the level of precision and accuracy, along with the continuous evaluation that AI offers, is incredibly challenging for human teachers.”

The 20 students enrolled in this course will pay around £27,000 per year for the privilege of experiencing this futuristic classroom. Joseph, one of the GCSE students who has been testing the system, expressed his enthusiasm: “A teacher doesn’t really know your flaws because he has so many students. The AI will figure out what your flaws are and help you improve.”

Despite the technological marvel, students will not be left entirely on their own. Three “learning coaches” will be present in the classroom to monitor behaviour and provide support when necessary, ensuring that students still receive some human interaction and guidance.

However, not everyone is convinced that this is the future of education. Chris McGovern, a retired head teacher and former policy advisor who now leads the Campaign for Real Education, cautioned against over-reliance on AI in the classroom. “The problem with AI and the computer screen is that it is a machine, and it’s inert,” McGovern argued. “You’re dehumanising the process of learning, taking away those interpersonal skills and the interaction between pupils and teacher.”

In response to the growing role of AI in education, the government has announced a new initiative to support teachers in integrating AI into their classrooms more effectively. This project will involve creating a bank of anonymised lesson plans and curriculums to train various AI models. These AI tools will assist teachers in marking homework and planning lessons, providing what Stephen Morgan, Minister for Early Education, describes as “a helping hand with classroom life.”

“Artificial intelligence, when made safe and reliable, represents an exciting opportunity to support our schools’ leaders and teachers,” Morgan said.

As AI continues to evolve, the debate over its role in education will likely intensify. Whether this experiment at David Game College will set a new standard for classrooms across the UK or remain a unique case study remains to be seen.

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Dr Ng Pak Tee discusses the impact of AI on education thus far, dispels common myths about AI replacing teachers, looking past the hype of AI and unlocking the true potential of AI in the classroom. Hear more from Dr Ng at EDUtech Asia 2024 Conference during his Keynote “If AI is artificial intelligence, what is real intelligence?”. Get your tickets here.

Speaker – Dr Ng Pak Tee, Associate Professor, National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore

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29 August 2024

In 2023, Arizona State University (ASU) announced a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, signalling a bold step towards integrating artificial intelligence into the fabric of education. This collaboration aims to harness the power of technology to deliver lifelong learning and drive human potential on a global scale. The partnership has already resulted in over 200 innovative projects, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in education.

To kickstart this initiative, ASU invited faculty and staff to submit proposals on how they could leverage ChatGPT in their respective fields. The submissions were encouraged to focus on three key priority areas: supporting teaching and learning, advancing research for the public good, and enhancing the future of work.

Within weeks, the university received proposals from more than 80% of its schools and colleges, showcasing the widespread interest in integrating AI into academic practices. As a result, over 200 projects were activated across various departments, marking a significant milestone in ASU’s journey towards becoming an AI-driven institution.

One of the standout projects is the ‘AI as a Writing Companion’ initiative, which utilises ChatGPT to support scholarly writing. This project provides students with real-time feedback on their writing, helping them strengthen their arguments and expedite the submission process. By acting as a virtual writing assistant, ChatGPT is empowering students to achieve academic success while also easing the workload of faculty.

Another innovative project involves ‘Sam,’ a chatbot powered by ChatGPT, designed to assist students in the College of Health Solutions. Sam engages students in role-based conversations, helping them practice patient-provider interactions. Clinical Professor Colleen Cordes, who oversees this project, praised the bot for its ability to facilitate authentic practice of motivational skills. She also noted that the transcripts generated by ChatGPT Enterprise made it significantly easier to provide qualitative feedback, streamlining the grading process.

PhD student Amber Hedquist explored the ethical dimensions of AI by examining how ChatGPT can support effective and ethical participant recruitment for research studies. Her work highlights how AI ensures that recruitment materials are accessible, avoiding scientific jargon while clearly communicating the opportunities available to participants.

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of education at ASU, the university remains committed to protecting the privacy of its faculty and students. Lev Gonick, ASU’s Chief Information Officer, emphasised the importance of maintaining privacy and security in the age of AI. “The introduction of OpenAI’s product for education, in the form of ChatGPT Edu, was enormously important,” Gonick said. “It helps us protect our student privacy, protect our research output which is our intellectual property, and supports our security requirements, whether that’s in the research or in the teaching and learning environments. And that is something that every CIO—and every university president—needs to be mindful of.”

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6 August 2024

As educational technology continues to evolve, generative AI has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering creativity and enhancing content creation within the classroom. Adobe, a leader in creative software, recently unveiled exciting new features in Adobe Express for Education, specifically designed to empower educators and students with cutting-edge technology while maintaining a safe and responsible learning environment.

Adobe Express for Education has been thoughtfully crafted by educators for educators, integrating technology that allows students to immerse themselves in creative projects and assignments. This platform is designed to be collaborative, user-friendly, and highly engaging, improving both student participation and communication skills. By leveraging Adobe Express technology, students are encouraged to take the reins of their learning experience, exploring new ways to express themselves creatively.

One standout feature in the latest update is the “Assignments” tool, which connects teachers and students in real time, facilitating seamless collaboration on multimedia presentations, animations, and other creative projects. In addition to this, Adobe has also introduced thousands of subject-specific templates that are readily available for classroom use, simplifying the process of creating high-quality educational content.

Adobe’s emphasis on generative AI within this platform is particularly noteworthy. The new AI-powered features are designed to unlock creative potential in students and help level the playing field in classrooms, ensuring that all students, regardless of their artistic background, can unleash their creative talents and develop critical thinking skills. With features like “Generate Template,” students can now create their own templates for art-oriented projects and activities, allowing for a personalised learning experience. The “Generate Image” and “Generative Fill” tools further enhance this by enabling students to effortlessly turn their ideas into visual content.

Moreover, Adobe Express for Education is free for all K-12 teachers and students, making these advanced tools accessible to a wide audience. The platform is also compatible with existing educational software such as Google Classroom and Schoology, making it easy to integrate into current educational workflows.

The global availability of these features, including a self-service option for school administrators to deploy Adobe Express across entire districts, marks a significant step forward in making high-quality creative tools accessible in education. Adobe’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the classroom through responsible use of AI technology is paving the way for a new era of learning where students can develop essential skills for the future.

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As technology continues to advance, the landscape of education is undergoing a significant transformation. One of the most promising developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in grading systems. AI grading is not just a futuristic concept; it is a reality that is revolutionising the way teachers assess student work. With the next academic year approaching, it’s the perfect time for educators to explore and embrace AI grading systems. Here’s why AI grading is the future and how you can prepare to integrate it into your teaching practice.

The advantages of AI grading

• Efficiency and time-saving
  One of the most significant benefits of AI grading is the efficiency it brings to the grading process. Traditional grading is time-consuming, often requiring teachers to spend countless hours marking assignments. AI grading systems can evaluate student work almost instantaneously, allowing teachers to focus on more critical aspects of their role, such as lesson planning and personalised instruction.
• Consistency and objectivity
  Human grading is inherently subjective, with potential for bias and inconsistency. AI grading systems, on the other hand, apply the same criteria to all assignments, ensuring a fair and unbiased assessment for every student. This consistency helps maintain academic integrity and gives students a clearer understanding of their performance.
• Immediate feedback
  Students benefit immensely from timely feedback. AI grading systems provide instant results, enabling students to quickly identify areas for improvement. This immediate feedback loop enhances the learning process and keeps students engaged and motivated.
• Customisation and scalability
  AI grading systems can be customised to align with specific curricular standards and learning objectives. They are also scalable, making them suitable for classes of any size, from small groups to large cohorts. This flexibility ensures that AI grading can be effectively implemented in diverse educational settings.

Preparing for the future: embracing AI grading

With the numerous advantages that AI grading offers, it’s essential for educators to start preparing now to seamlessly transition into using these systems in the upcoming academic year. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

Explore AI grading systems
Begin by researching different AI grading platforms to understand their features and capabilities. Look for systems that align with your educational goals and provide the functionalities you need. Here are some notable AI grading websites:
Graded Pro: https://graded.pro – A platform that connects with Google Classroom to automatically grade assignments using AI, allowing for manual adjustments by teachers before returning feedback to students.
Gradescope: https://www.gradescope.com – An AI-driven grading platform that supports a variety of assignment types and integrates with Learning Management Systems (LMS).
Turnitin: https://www.turnitin.com – Known for plagiarism detection, Turnitin also offers AI grading tools that help streamline the grading process.
Crowdmark: https://crowdmark.com – An online grading platform that uses AI to assist with grading and provides detailed analytics to improve student outcomes.
Edmentum: https://www.edmentum.com – Offers a range of educational solutions, including AI-powered assessment and grading tools to personalise learning experiences.
Cognii: https://www.cognii.com – Provides AI-based assessment and tutoring solutions, focusing on natural language processing to evaluate student responses.

Get hands-On experience
Familiarise yourself with how AI grading systems work. Many platforms offer free trials or demo versions. Take advantage of these opportunities to experiment with the tools and understand their workflow.

Set up the tools
Ensure you have the necessary infrastructure in place. This may include updating your hardware, securing reliable internet access, and integrating the AI grading system with your existing educational platforms.

Professional development
Consider participating in professional development workshops or training sessions focused on AI in education. These programmes can provide valuable insights and practical skills to help you effectively use AI grading systems.

AI Grading: evaluating the best solutions

As education continues to evolve, AI grading is emerging as a pivotal change in how educators assess and provide feedback. The most effective AI grading platforms offer seamless integration with systems like Google Classroom, simplifying the process for educators to manage classes and distribute assignments. These platforms excel by automatically retrieving and grading assignments, eliminating the tedious need for manual scanning or uploads. This capability is a significant advantage over other systems that still require manual entry.

Moreover, the top-tier AI grading systems are versatile enough to evaluate a diverse range of submissions, from handwritten notes to complex diagrams and artwork. They also provide crucial functionalities like manual grade adjustments, enabling educators to fine-tune results before finalising feedback—a feature not available in all platforms.

Adopting a comprehensive AI grading system can substantially enhance the efficiency, consistency, and timeliness of feedback, streamlining the grading process. As the academic landscape shifts, embracing these advanced grading tools is essential for educators to stay ahead and effectively support their students’ learning journey.

AI grading is poised to become an integral part of modern education. By exploring and adopting AI grading systems, you can stay ahead of the curve and provide a more efficient, fair, and engaging learning experience for your students. Start preparing now to make the most of this innovative technology in the upcoming academic year.

Author: Sunil Jane, Teacher, ICS, United Kingdom

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1 August 2024

A new report from the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium has shed light on the sweeping transformations that artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to bring to information and communication technology (ICT) jobs. Spearheaded by Cisco, with contributions from industry heavyweights like Accenture, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and SAP, the report titled “The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs” offers a detailed analysis of AI’s impact across 47 ICT roles spanning seven job families.

These job families include business and management, cybersecurity, data science, design and user experience, infrastructure and operations, software development, and testing and quality assurance. Each role within these categories was evaluated for its susceptibility to AI-driven changes, with the report providing targeted recommendations for the reskilling and upskilling needed to meet these challenges.

Key findings

One of the most striking revelations is that a staggering 92% of ICT roles examined are expected to undergo either high or moderate transformation due to AI advancements. This highlights the urgency for both current professionals and newcomers in the field to adapt to the evolving landscape.

The report particularly emphasises that entry-level and mid-level ICT professionals will experience the most significant changes, with 40% of mid-level positions and 37% of entry-level positions forecasted to undergo high levels of transformation. As AI continues to redefine job functions, emerging skills such as AI ethics, responsible AI, prompt engineering, and AI literacy are predicted to rise in importance, potentially rendering some traditional skills obsolete.

To prepare for these shifts, the report underscores the importance of foundational skills across ICT roles, including AI literacy, data analytics, and prompt engineering. These competencies are deemed essential for professionals to remain competitive and adaptable in an AI-driven future.

Expert insight

Nicole Helmer, Vice President & Global Head of Development Learning at SAP, remarked on the findings, emphasising the broader implications of AI on ICT roles. “What stands out from this research, beyond the undeniable needs for responsible AI development and broad AI literacy across all ICT jobs, is the necessity for all roles to enhance their higher-order skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving,” she said. Helmer added that while the initial adoption of AI is crucial, understanding the second-order effects of these skill shifts will be key to distinguishing between commoditised skills and those that will differentiate professionals in the future.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the report makes it clear that the ICT workforce must evolve alongside them. The need for targeted reskilling and upskilling is not just an option but a necessity to ensure that professionals can thrive in a rapidly changing technological environment.

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17 July 2024

Computer scientist Andrej Karpathy has unveiled Eureka Labs, a new AI-driven education platform. Leveraging his extensive experience at OpenAI and Tesla, Karpathy aims to revolutionise digital learning. Karpathy announced this on X, the social media platform, and shared insights into the platform’s capabilities.

Eureka Labs is designed to capitalise on the surge in generative AI technology, which has seen significant growth since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. The platform will enable teachers to create courses, supported by an AI teaching assistant that will guide students through the material.

The company’s inaugural offering is LLM101n, an undergraduate course that teaches students how to train their own AI models. This course serves as an introductory version of the AI teaching assistant, providing hands-on experience with AI technologies.

Karpathy, one of the founding members of OpenAI, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Eureka Labs is the culmination of my passion in both AI and education over about two decades,” he said in his post.

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27 June 2024

A recent study conducted by the University of Reading has revealed significant findings regarding the performance of AI in academic assessments. Researchers created 33 fictitious students and used the AI tool ChatGPT to generate answers for module exams in an undergraduate psychology degree program.

The results indicated that the AI-generated responses consistently outperformed those of real-life students, with the AI students achieving results that were, on average, half a grade boundary higher than their human counterparts. Additionally, the study found that 94% of the AI-generated essays did not raise any concerns with markers, making them nearly undetectable.

The study was led by Associate Professor Peter Scarfe and Professor Etienne Roesch, who emphasised that these findings should serve as a “wake-up call” for educators globally. They highlighted the robust performance of AI submissions, which gained higher grades than those submitted by real students.

The research involved submitting fake exam answers and essays for first-, second-, and third-year modules without the knowledge of the markers. The AI students outperformed the real undergraduates in the first and second years. However, human students scored better in the third-year exams, which researchers attributed to AI’s current limitations with more abstract reasoning.

These findings have raised serious concerns within educational institutions. Some are considering a return to in-person paper exams to mitigate the influence of AI. However, this poses a significant question: Can universities afford to revert to traditional methods, or must they adapt to integrate AI responsibly into their assessment strategies?

The implications of this study are profound, suggesting a need for a re-evaluation of assessment methods and the role of AI in education. As AI continues to advance, educators must find a balance between leveraging technology and ensuring the integrity and fairness of academic evaluations.

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20 June 2024

CYHPER Learning has announced the launch of AI Crosscheck, a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance the accuracy of AI-generated content. This new feature, powered by advanced artificial intelligence, aims to address the prevalent concerns surrounding the reliability of AI-generated information.

AI Crosscheck functions by meticulously flagging inaccurate data within AI-generated content. Upon detecting any discrepancies, the tool recommends suitable replacement content and prompts users to decide whether they wish to update the existing material. This interactive approach ensures that users remain in control of the content while benefiting from the AI’s corrective suggestions.

Graham Class, the CEO and CTO of CYHPER Learning, highlighted the significance of this innovation, stating, “One of the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of generative AI is the fear of inaccuracies and the potential for harmful content.” This sentiment underscores the critical need for reliable AI tools in the expanding landscape of generative technologies.

The benefits of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are being realised beyond student use, as educators increasingly integrate AI-enhanced functions into their teaching methodologies. The result is a growing volume of educational content generated by AI, necessitating tools like AI Crosscheck to ensure the integrity and quality of this information.

AI Crosscheck leverages sophisticated AI algorithms to review and identify inconsistencies in the output of other AI systems. When an issue is detected, the tool succinctly summarises the problem and provides a recommendation for replacement text. This feature not only aids in maintaining content accuracy but also enhances the overall trustworthiness of AI-generated educational materials.

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14 June 2024

In a significant leap forward for educational technology, Apple has unveiled its latest iPadOS 18, marking a new era of versatility and intelligence for the iPad. Among the most notable advancements is the introduction of the Calculator application, which comes equipped with Math Notes and innovative handwriting tools in the Notes application, all meticulously crafted to work seamlessly with the Apple Pencil.

With iPadOS 18, users can now bid farewell to traditional calculators as the all-new Math Notes calculator revolutionises how mathematical expressions are handled. This feature allows users to either type or write out their mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in their handwriting. This interactive approach is designed to enhance understanding and engagement, particularly beneficial for students learning new mathematical concepts.

In addition to solving expressions, the Math Notes calculator enables users to assign values to variables, providing a dynamic tool for classroom learning, budgeting, and more. Another groundbreaking feature is the inclusion of graphing capabilities. Users can write or type an equation and then insert a graph to visualise the relationship, making complex mathematical concepts more accessible and comprehensible.

The release of iPadOS 18 raises intriguing questions about its impact on educational practices and technologies like ChatGPT, which has faced criticism for its current limitations in tackling mathematical problems. The advanced capabilities of the Math Notes calculator may set a new standard for digital learning tools, prompting educators to rethink how math lessons are conducted in the digital age.

The post Automatically solving math problems? Say hi to Apple’s latest iPadOS 18 first appeared on EDUtech_talks.

Ahead of his appearance at EDUtech Asia 2024, we spoke to Professor Yike Guo, Provost at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to get his thoughts on the packed marketplace of ‘AI-powered’ tools, managing potential regulations on the technology and the future of educational institutions.

Speaker – Prof. Yike Guo, Provost, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The post AI-based, AI-centric pedagogy change needed for effective AI use in education: Yike Guo, HKUST first appeared on EDUtech_talks.