Could AI drive learning equity

What should teachers look out for when choosing a GenAI tool?

Choosing the type of GenAI to use with your students is a big decision. It can be hard if you’re not sure what to look out for, and teachers need all the insights they can get. To find out more, we’ve enlisted the help of an expert – Leon Furze.

Leon has 15 years’ experience in secondary and tertiary education and leadership, and is now undertaking his PhD on the implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence on writing instruction and education. We had a chat with Leon about his thoughts on GenAI and its usability, effectiveness, privacy and technical support. Read on…

What’s the biggest GenAI change impacting education?

Jacaranda: In less than two years GenAI has gone from a new interactive tech-toy to an advanced tool at the fingertips of students. What’s the most recent change that impacts schools?

Leon: The most relevant change to GenAI impacting classrooms is the fact that GenAI is no longer limited to just text-based interactions, but can engage with visual and data-driven content across the curriculum. However, it’s important we don’t overstate these capabilities or frame them as “revolutionising education”. The technology is impressive, but good teaching remains fundamentally human-centered.

What are the ‘red flags’ for poor security and privacy?

Jacaranda: We’ve just written an article about GenAI and safety, looking at how jacTUTOR works to safeguard students’ privacy. Do you have any ‘red flags’ when it comes to GenAI products?

Leon: Any GenAI tool used in schools should have clear, education-specific privacy policies and allow full control over student information. The biggest red flags for GenAI products in education are:

1. Lack of transparency about data usage and retention
2. Requiring students to create accounts or provide personal information
3. Unclear or overly broad terms of service, especially for young people
4. No option for schools to control data locally
5. Inability to delete or export student data

Should teachers look for a user-friendly GenAI option?

Jacaranda: If we look at the usability of GenAI technologies, is the ‘user experience’ for both the teacher and students an important factor in choosing the right AI tools?

Leon: Usability is crucial, but it needs to be considered holistically. An AI tool might have a shiny interface, but if it doesn’t integrate well with existing workflows or requires extensive setup, it won’t be truly usable in a busy classroom. Plus, if a tool requires constant prompting or tweaking, it may end up being more distracting than helpful.

The best AI technologies for education will likely be those that augment existing practices rather than requiring entirely new workflows. It’s worth pointing out that teachers won’t need to become AI experts. With the right tools, the focus can be on thoughtful application and critical thinking, not technical mastery.

What does content moderation mean in GenAI?

Jacaranda: How can teachers know if GenAI content is being moderated?

Leon: Content moderation in GenAI is a complex issue. It’s crucial to view AI as a tool that requires oversight, not a replacement for human judgment. Teachers should always preview AI-generated content before sharing it with students and be prepared to discuss issues of bias or inaccuracy that may arise.

How should we evaluate the effectiveness of GenAI?

Jacaranda: GenAI tools need to be effective in the classroom. Is effectiveness related to how well it aligns to the curriculum, or perhaps how well it caters to different learning needs?

Leon: We need to critically examine what we mean by “effective”. Are we talking about improving test scores? Developing critical thinking? Fostering creativity? The definition of effectiveness needs to come from educators, not from the capabilities of the technology itself. GenAI technology can be useful, but it’s not a silver bullet.

Teachers should approach GenAI keeping in mind the opportunity to always supplement AI-generated content with diverse, human-curated resources. If we want GenAI to be effective, it’s also crucial that teachers understand enough about AI systems to use them critically – and teach students to do the same.

Will schools using GenAI need technical support?

Jacaranda: A school’s IT help desk primarily helps with established software, but when it comes to AI platforms, is there anything schools should be mindful of?

Leon: Schools will need robust internet connectivity to support AI applications – especially for regional and rural schools, and plan for potential downtime or service interruptions. Schools should consider training staff on the specific AI tools being used and establish clear policies for AI usage and troubleshooting.

Thank you, Leon! Your insights help teachers make informed choices.

It’s reassuring to know that educators like Leon Furze are heavily invested in making sure schools can navigate the world of Generative AI. In fact, Leon has an online course called Practical AI Strategies, designed for primary, secondary and tertiary educators. Jacaranda was fortunate to also host a recent webinar with Leon, all about AI in Education. It’s safe to say, we’re in good hands!

With knowledge and understanding, we can help students make good choices when using AI technologies. Let’s make the most of the opportunity to use AI in a way that genuinely supports teachers and keeps human-centred learning and teaching at the heart of education.

Leon is currently pursuing a PhD in Generative AI within education. He has been an educator for 15 years and conducts PD sessions and advises on policy regarding GenAI in educational institutions.