An influential voice in education has shared a perspective advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. As the head of an exam board known as OCR, the author highlights the complexities educators face in determining whether students' work is AI-generated. This task is a recent addition to teachers' responsibilities, a development met with mixed feelings.
The presence of AI technologies like ChatGPT in educational settings is becoming increasingly evident. According to the OCR official, "ChatGPT writing essays may be the most noticeable phenomenon right now, but it is far from the only way that this technology will transform how we teach and assess young people." AI, while presenting challenges, also offers significant opportunities, provided that it is implemented with a focus on human elements in education.
The key, the official suggests, lies in acceptance and adaptation. Estimating a future where educators ask students “how did you use AI?” rather than “did you use AI?”, the emphasis is on incorporating AI in a manner that enhances rather than replaces traditional educational skills. "The same human-centric approach is needed when it comes to teaching and AI," the OCR head elaborates.
OCR is currently exploring AI tools that could alleviate teachers' administrative burdens, such as lesson planning and accessing educational resources. "So, we don’t expect AI to replace the very human skills of intelligently questioning a student to guide their learning..." the exam head stresses. AI's role, therefore, could pivot to handling routine tasks, allowing educators to devote more effort to teaching and student engagement.
Cambridge and OCR have been experimenting with digital exams as a step towards integrating technology in education. Trials are ongoing to ensure these digital formats provide no inherent advantage or disadvantage over traditional paper exams.
However, the official points out that the evolution towards digital learning must be handled with care to prevent exacerbating existing educational inequalities. OCR has expressed these concerns in its report "Striking the Balance", highlighting the potential disparity between schools with varying access to digital technologies.
A comprehensive national strategy is necessary, involving government bodies and educational stakeholders, to make sure all schools have equal access to AI's transformative benefits in education. "But keeping humans at the heart of education while getting the most out of new technology will take more than the efforts of one exam board," the official concludes.