The Urgent Need for Government Engagement in AI in Education

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has issued a formal call to the Government to enhance their involvement in addressing the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in the education sector.

As per the TUI, there is an urgent need for the establishment and regular review of departmental guidelines and regulatory safeguards to prevent the education system from being left behind by the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Additionally, the union has stressed the importance of fully exploring the potential of AI to alleviate the heavy administrative workload faced by educators. However, they have also cautioned against allowing AI to substitute or marginalize the role of teachers and lecturers.

Presently, the TUI is hosting a conference on AI in education in Mullingar to further deliberate on the matter. TUI President, David Waters, emphasized the importance of maximizing the advantages that AI can offer while taking proactive measures to manage and minimize associated risks.

Mr. Waters highlighted the potential of AI to relieve educators of the growing burden of administrative tasks, which has been identified as a significant source of dissatisfaction and distraction from the core responsibilities of teaching and learning.

“In terms of opportunities, the potential of AI to reduce the ever-growing administrative burden on educators should be fully explored,” said Mr. Waters. “In a number of surveys, our members have cited bureaucratic overload as an ever-increasing and demoralising distraction from teaching and learning, one that in many cases is driving teachers and lecturers from the profession.”

“Overall, we must embrace the positive benefits of AI and ensure that any risks are adequately mitigated and policed,” he added.

To conclude, the union’s call for greater government engagement and proactive measures to address the impact of AI in education reflects the urgent need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of AI while safeguarding the integrity of the education system.

Source:
“Teachers’ union calls for greater engagement on AI in education” – RTE News