Teachers in England have received approval from the Department for Education (DfE) to use artificial intelligence (AI) for low-level tasks associated with their roles. This guidance emphasizes that AI should only be employed for ‘low stakes’ assignments, such as writing correspondence to parents and grading homework. This decision is a response to a 2023 survey revealing that many teachers are optimistic about AI’s potential in their professions. Teachers have expressed that AI can be particularly beneficial for sourcing teaching materials and composing reports on students’ performance and behavior.
The DfE believes that incorporating AI tools can alleviate the burden of unpaid overtime that teachers often face, thereby enhancing their work-life balance and job satisfaction. Moreover, it is hoped this initiative will improve mental health among teachers, as statistics indicate over a third have experienced burnout. Many teachers are currently dealing with significant stress due to a persistent shortage of qualified educators. Despite the UK government reporting an increase in the overall number of teachers compared to a decade ago, the student-to-teacher ratio continues to expand as the population grows.
Classes with 33 or more students have become the norm in some English state schools, and over a million students are in classrooms exceeding 30 pupils. The DfE has also approved AI use for companies conducting curriculum and assessment reviews, despite some opposition from teaching unions. While AI may assist with administrative tasks, concerns remain about whether grading can indeed be classified as ‘low stakes.’ Ultimately, the chronic under-funding of the education sector poses a more significant issue than the implementation of technology.
A focus on improving educational budgets may be necessary for meaningful improvements in the quality of education delivered to future generations.