Education professionals have been given an “invaluable insight” into the benefits of digital technology and artificial intelligence at a North East conference.
The conference, in Spennymoor, was staged as a collaboration between the ALP Institute – the training arm of the County Durham-based Advance Learning Partnership education trust – and Durham University.
The key message was that the education sector must embrace a more considered, inclusive approach to the use of AI to maximise the benefits to teachers and learners.
Catherine Hydon, Director of the ALP Institute, said: “This was our first conference focused on digital technology and AI, and it provided colleagues and external delegates with an invaluable insight into the benefits that can come from adopting a healthy, safe and informed strategy.”
The conference, held at Whitworth Park Academy, was attended by representatives of secondary and primary education.
Keynote speakers were Jake Burdis and Cristina Costa, two experts from Durham University. Cristina, Professor Digital Society and Education, focused on digital Inclusion in education, while Jake posed the question: What’s next? The future of AI in education.”
Jake said the majority of schools he visits do not have a cohesive plan for the use of AI, with teachers often experimenting without training or guidance.
“ALP, in partnership with Durham University, is on the right path because it is committed to a more considered approach that will save time, reduce workloads and have a positive impact on the education of young people,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s about enabling teachers to focus on the things that really matter, and why they got into the profession in the first place.”
Cristina said: “We need to move beyond the functional use of AI and use it in a healthy way, creating positive habits that drive real benefits.
“It’s not just about technology but how we use it, and the benefits are not just educational but for our day-to-day lives and wellbeing. It’s not just a tool that’s switched on and off but part of our lives.
“There are always dangers along the road, of course, but we have to have a licence of engagement, creating learning opportunities to engage in digital spaces in a safe, more meaningful way.
“When you teach a child to cross the road, you hold their hand and tell them to look both ways, but at some stage you have to let go of their hand and trust in the learning experience. These young people are the future drivers who will be responsible for the digital environment, but that responsibility must be informed so that it’s safe and healthy.”
Workshops were staged by Jake and Cristina as well as Lee Stott, ALP’s Lead on Digital Strategy, and Dom Webber, AI Leader at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
