The increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors has raised concerns among teachers, with nearly half of them feeling ill-prepared for the impact of AI. They are calling for greater support to empower them in preparing students for an AI-enabled future. A report by Oxford University Press (OUP) highlights the need for government support to help schools harness AI’s potential to revolutionize education.
According to the report, unless the education system adapts to the AI era, students may face inequalities in its implementation and risk not acquiring essential cognitive skills for the future, which would significantly affect learning outcomes. Nigel Portwood, CEO of OUP, acknowledges the optimism of teachers and students about AI’s role in education but emphasizes the need to address the unanswered questions and potential risks associated with this advancing technology.
The report is a compilation of existing research on the topic, supplemented with data from a survey involving OUP’s global teacher network across various countries. The findings indicate that 88% of teachers would benefit from having relevant AI insights and research gathered in one place. Furthermore, it reveals that a significant percentage of teachers believe their students are already using AI in their schoolwork, highlighting the need for teachers to adapt and incorporate AI-driven tools themselves.
The OUP emphasizes the need for governments worldwide to include education in discussions about AI’s future and take measures to ensure that teachers and students can safely use it to enhance teaching and learning. Portwood concludes that governments and education leaders need to equip both pupils and teachers with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-enabled future.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, proactive steps in education will be essential to prepare current and future generations for an AI-driven world. Governments, education leaders, and stakeholders must collaborate to provide the necessary support and resources to empower teachers and students in harnessing the potential of AI in education.
