July 2024
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This conference assessed next steps for the role of artificial intelligence within the education sector and schools in Wales.
It was an opportunity to discuss key issues at a time of heightened focus on policy related to AI in the run up to the UK General Election.
Delegates discussed opportunities and challenges posed by AI in the classroom, as well as in assessment and marking, including large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and Google Bard.
We expected discussion to draw on issues raised in Qualifications Wales’ position statement on artificial intelligence published last year, including:
- the ways in which teaching and learning will be delivered in relation to the content of qualifications
- how qualifications are designed by awarding bodies moving forward, and the knowledge and skills contained within qualifications
- where candidates take their assessments in future and how assessment is controlled
It was also an opportunity to explore key priorities for support and guidance for education practitioners, parents and students in ethical use of AI in education. We expected discussion on expectations, tools and guidance available, and what is needed from policymakers to support the effective use of AI in curriculum design to enhance lesson content, increase student engagement and provide students with the necessary skills for the future workplace.
Delegates looked at key challenges highlighted in the Joint Council for Qualification’s guidance on AI Use in Assessments published in February 2024, with discussion on how to recognise the use of AI, preventing misuse and limiting false accusations, and addressing educational inequality due to lack of access to technology.
Further sessions considered the potential of AI as a teacher aid, and prospects for reducing workload and widening opportunities for continued professional development.
Keynote speakers who have agreed to take part include: Lloyd Hopkin, Deputy Director, Curriculum and Assessment, Welsh Government; Dean Seabrook, Senior Qualifications Manager, Qualifications Wales; and Ben Newby, Executive Director, Digital and Transformation, WJEC. We are re-confirming the availability of speakers in the UK pre-election period.
Overall, the agenda included discussion on:
- AI and the Curriculum for Wales:
- key policy priorities - adoption of AI systems and tools
- the ways in which the curriculum can equip students with the necessary skills for a future with AI - fostering creativity, critical thinking and ethical decision-making
- harnessing generative AI to enhance the teaching and learning experience - gamification and engagement - the role of coding education
- challenges:
- internet safety and data privacy implications - addressing digital inequality and access to technology - engaging learners
- how schools can modify approaches to study and homework to prevent malpractice - recognising AI in students’ work - reliability of AI detection tools - avoiding false cheating accusations
- opportunities:
- enhancing lesson content and student experience - the role of AI in alleviating teacher workload - increasing opportunities for professional development
- enhancing the place of the Welsh language in edtech and AI tools
- improving understanding of AI:
- adapting the curriculum to improve student knowledge of AI - support, guidance and resources for teaching staff, parents and students
- evaluating assessment in the age of AI:
- protecting the integrity of qualifications and the school assessment process - where students take their assessments moving forward to prevent malpractice - appropriate control measures
- adapting qualifications to effectively measure student performance and knowledge - making assessment fluid and flexible - assessing the knowledge, skills and experiences contained within qualifications
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues in the presence of key policy officials who attended from the Welsh Government; CMA; DfE; Senedd Research; IfATE; Department of Education, NI; Education Scotland; DfE, NI; and DAERA, NI.
The proceedings of the conference will be circulated more widely, to Members of the Senedd, ministerial offices, and government and regulatory officials with an interest in the issues being discussed. All delegates will also receive a video recording of the conference.
