The integration of AI technology into the educational landscape has been a topic of great debate in recent years. With the introduction of tools like ChatGPT, educators and students have been questioning the authenticity of learning, the role of teachers in the learning process and how to verify students’ efforts towards their learning goals. In response to this, the United Nations recently held a meeting of education ministers from around the globe in order to investigate the risks and benefits of using chatbots in classrooms.
At the meeting, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reported that less than 10% of schools and universities adhere to formal guidelines regarding the use of popular AI tools. The ministers discussed policy approaches and plans while contemplating the agency’s new roadmap on education and generative AI. Generative AI can create data and content based on existing algorithms but can also make mistakes similar to humans.
The discussion highlighted concerns such as how to mitigate chatbots’ inherent defect of making big mistakes and how to effectively integrate these tools into curricula, teaching methods and examinations. UNESCO emphasised the crucial role teachers play in this new era as facilitators of learning and that they need guidance and training to face these challenges.
In order to assist educators with the integration of AI into the classroom, UNESCO is developing policy guidelines, AI competency frameworks for students and instructors and will be conducting Digital Learning Week at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris from September 4th to 7th. It is essential that educators and policy-makers are aware of the risks and benefits of AI technology and are adequately prepared to use AI tools in the classroom in a safe and secure manner.
