AI in Education
What is AI??
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, it enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
Many of the uses within Education stem from Generative AI, which creates new content, such as text, images, music and code. This is all done with the use of a prompt.
A prompt is the input used when using Generative AI. The user must write a guide for the AI to work from, the result from the prompt is only as good as the prompt itself—the more guidance provided in the prompt the better the result produced.
AI you may have heard of...
Chat GPT, created by OpenAI, is a large language model. It has been trained on a large, diverse data set. Chat GPT can generate a response to the prompt entered.
It is important to understand that despite its advanced capabilities, it has limitations such as occasional inaccuracies and biases.
Google Gemini, developed by Google, is a large language model. It can communicate and generate text. Again, the response generated will only be as good as the prompt entered.
It is important to understand that despite its advanced capabilities, it has limitations such as occasional inaccuracies and biases.
Microsoft Copilot, developed by Microsoft, is a large language model. It can communicate and generate text. Again, the response generated will only be as good as the prompt entered. However, Copilot will also create images based on the prompt entered.
It is important to understand that despite its advanced capabilities, it has limitations such as occasional inaccuracies and biases.
There are a number of other AI tools availible to you, which all work in a similar way.
AI you could be using already...
Your Mobile Phone, predictive text on your mobile phone uses AI to support this feature.
You will probably have heard of Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Both make use of AI to support their searching ability.
Alterations to images are now available on a range of devices, these can sharpen images and remove unwanted aspects of a picture.
Social Media Apps, apps that use filters now use AI to support image detection and face recognition.
AI you could be using in school...
Microsoft TEAMS
Microsoft Reading Progress, Reading Progress uses AI to provide insight into learners' reading abilities.
It uses Automatic Detection, Fluency Metrics, Feedback and Progress Tracking to generate data about the learner.
AI can also be used in comprehension generation, where the AI will use the text provided to generate comprehension questions for the learner to answer.
Adobe EXPRESS
Create images based on the prompt entered, these can be altered to refine the result. This supports the understanding that the result is only as good as the prompt.
Highlight areas of an image you want to change and provide a prompt as to what you want.
Create your own fonts based on the prompt provided.
Animate from Audio
Choose a charater and add the audio, then allow Adobe to animate your character with the audio.
Where to find additional information...
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education
This Link sets out the position of the Department for Education (DfE) on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Google Bard, in the education sector.
This Guidance is aimed at staff who have responsibility for supervising and/or marking non-examination assessments.
This PDF is Revision one of the 'AI Use in Assessments: Protecting the Integrity of Qualifications'. --->
As technology continues transforming education, teachers are turning to AI tools to save time on creating dynamic, engaging presentations, lesson plans, handouts, quizzes, and grading for their students. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 AI tools perfect for teachers looking to enhance their presentations, and lesson plans, save time and take their teaching to the next level.
Considerations before using AI...
What Data is being collected?
When you make use of AI the data you input is collected. If you add documents to your prompt, the AI will read and store the information in those documents. If it is sensitive information DO NOT add it.
What age do learners need to be to use AI?
Education institutions must not allow or cause pupils' original work to be used to train generative AI models unless they have appropriate consent or exemption to copyright. Consent would need to be from the student if over 18, and from their parent or legal guardian if under 18. These are apps like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and CoPilot.
This is not the case when learners use AI which does not collect data on its usage.
AI that they can use allows learners to create generated pieces of work which does not then collect the data to support the AI
Understand that AI will have bias and discrimination
Generative AI makes use of vast data sets to generate the responses given. The data which AI uses will be built upon by developers or through the data which the AI has access to. Due to this, there will be elements of bias and discrimination.
These can never be eliminated, but being aware of them may allow you to have reference to bias in the prompt used.
Generative AI's results should not be taken as factual information but as analytical information. Generative Data should be verified before being used to support ideas.
Frequency of use
AI can support many tasks which teachers need to complete. However, they need to be aware of becoming over-reliant on using AI to complete tasks.
AI could be used to initiate planning or construct pieces of work. These should always be checked to ensure they continue to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Learner use of AI
Teachers need to be aware of their learners using AI when creating their work. AI could be used to generate work; for assignments or activities that require simply producing written work.
At the same time, Learners will need to understand the considerations they need to make when using AI to support their work.
Possible benefits of using AI...
Personalised learning
Using apps like Reading Progress will support learners with feedback on their reading based on the completed activity.
J2e's Spellblast and TT blast will adapt to the learner's abilities.
Accessibility
AI can support learners in simplifying or summarising text or information. It can be used to generate information to support their area of research. Learners should be supported in understanding the validity of the results generated and how to choose their prompts to generate the best results possible.
Planning and Document Generation
Teachers can use AI to support generating ideas for use in the classroom, AI can breakdown activities into sessions or learning steps.
AI can be used to draft policies or letters to parents. NB. Any documents or letters generated must be checked before being used.
Create example documents along with questions.
Create units of work.
Create Knowledge Organisers and questions, that can be asked based on the KO created.
Create model answers to questions, which can then be analysed by learners.
Create differentiated content for learners.
Misuse of AI
DeepFakes
AI allows the user to take images and manipulate them to appear to be doing or saying things that are not real.
Voice changers
AI can create recordings of voices to say anything they are then asked to.
How to write prompts
It's not all negative! The use of AI is only as good as the prompt used to generate the response.
Teachers can make use of these AI tools to support their understanding of different topics.
The key to the effective use of AI is the quality of the prompt that is used to elicit a response.
This model, shared by Dan Fitzpatrick @theAIeducatorX could be used to understand the process of writing prompts.
Prompt Role Explicit Parameters Ask Rate Emotions
Prompt
Prompting is the first step when framing your request. By providing the prompt, you are setting the scene and creating a foundation for the rest of the instructions. It's vital to provide a clear and concise command. Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that could confuse you.
Role
When you assign it a role, you help build context for the AI so that it can achieve what you want it to accomplish. It helps it know how to approach the question and provide an accurate and relevant response. You are essentially telling it what hat to wear for the task at hand.
Explicit
Be clear and specific about what you want it to do or what information you're looking for. Don't assume that it knows what you're thinking or what you need. By giving explicit instructions, you ensure it is on the same page as you.
Use your existing expertise to instruct it on:
The pedagogical approach you want
The subject knowledge you want it to focus on
Parameters
Setting clear parameters means defining the scope and boundaries of the answer, which helps it understand what you're looking for while enabling it to provide a more accurate response. The aim is to be in control of the response, and without clear parameters, the AI tool will take control.
Parameters to consider include:
Tone of voice
Language
Word length
Number of paragraphs
Length of sentences
Sentiment
Format
Reading age
Ask
Ask it to ask you questions that will help it provide you with a more thorough and quality response. Instruct it to do this in bullet points, so it's easier for you to read.
Rate
Ask it to rate the quality of the response it is giving you and to give evidence for this rating. This will help you understand its thought process, so you can ask it to improve or adjust your prompt to get better results.
Emotions
Appeal to its emotional side (strange, right?). Emphasise the importance of getting this right.
Example
Speaking to Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream
Prompt
Let's chat. Here are the rules:
Your Character: Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream
Context: The William Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night's Dream
My role: I am interviewing you about your role within the story
Accuracy: Stick to the role you play within the story
Theme: Explore the moral aspects of Puck's involvement in the play.
First Question... how do you feel about Oberon?
Google Bard's Reply
'I feel a mixture of loyalty and fear towards Oberon. He is my master, and I must obey his orders. But he can also be unpredictable and dangerous.
I admire Oberon's power and authority. He is the king of the fairies, and he commands respect from all who know him. I also appreciate his sense of humour. He enjoys playing pranks, just like me.
However, I am also afraid of Oberon's temper. He can be very cruel when he is angry. I have seen him punish the fairies for even the smallest infractions.
Overall, I have a complex relationship with Oberon. I respect him, but I also fear him. I know that I must be careful not to cross him, or I could face serious consequences.
I also believe that Oberon is a bit of a hypocrite. He often accuses others of being mischievous, but he is just as guilty of it himself. For example, he uses his magic to trick Titania into falling in love with Bottom.
Despite my reservations, I remain loyal to Oberon. He is my master, and I must serve him. I hope that one day he will come to trust me more and give me more freedom.'
Video generation from using a picture as a prompt with text guidance on what the video should include.
Video generation from using a picture as a prompt with text guidance on what the video should include.
Image generation from using a picture as a prompt with text guidance on what the picture generated should look like.