The Education Secretary of the UK Government spoke about the impact of AI on education at the UK AI for Education Summit.
In her speech, Bridget Phillipson announced stronger safety measures to be introduced around AI in education.
She also emphasised the importance of AI in helping children learn.
She said: “With the help of AI, teachers can tailor every lesson they deliver to respond to the needs of every child.
“To better support the needs of every child. And that excites me like nothing else.
“The idea that finally, for the first time in history, we can maximise learning for all children.
“We can make education work for every child.”
She also added: “But be in no doubt – there will still be a teacher at the front of every classroom.
“A living, breathing human – a beating heart at the centre of the learning process. “The strongest connection between past and future. “Because no matter how transformational technology becomes, learning will remain a deeply human act. “AI changes everything, but not this.”
Phillipson also emphasised that first and foremost, AI in education must be safe.
She said: “I know there are debates going on in all our countries about the role of technology in childhood, but here and now I want to focus on how we make sure the EdTech used by our teachers and students is safe.”
Kharis Yanakidis, CEO and Co-founder of MyEdSpace, said: “Anxiety about AI in education is understandable, but it should not turn into fear. Every major technological shift, from calculators to the internet, prompted similar concerns and each ultimately expanded access to learning rather than undermining it.
“However, it is important that we do not rely on AI to provide all the answers to gaps in attainment between advantaged and disadvantaged children. The problems in education are to do with teacher shortages, particularly in disadvantaged areas, where many students are taught by non-specialist teachers.
“AI can be a powerful educational tool if used well, but the real way to make a difference will be to give disadvantaged children access to the best teachers in the world, rather than an AI alternative. We should use technology such as live-streaming to get the best teachers teaching every child in the country and use AI to support this learning, rather than a substitute in and of itself.”
