Teachers are using Artificial Intelligence tools to mark their student’s homework despite a ban on pupils using it in the classroom, a government report has found.
The review came after teachers and lecturers were asked to submit examples of how they use the burgeoning technology to help them in their jobs.
Those who responded claimed they used generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, to save them time by automating some tasks including marking and drafting letters to students and their families, the Telegraph reports.
Some said they used AI to help produce feedback for students, while others also said they used it to write social media posts and newsletters.
This is despite students being banned from using it in the classroom and to do their homework – although two-thirds of secondary school pupils have admitted to using it to help do work at home.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, pictured outside Downing Street on Tuesday, has said the report will be used to inform future policy on artificial intelligence
The report received 567 responses from schools, colleges and universities, with one even saying it had developed a platform to help assess and provide feedback to students using the technology.
Some teachers even admitted to using AI tools in lessons to help them explain concepts to students and create examples for them to look at.
The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said it was important to note that AI is ‘here to stay’ and is ‘already changing the way we work and learn’.
She told the Telegraph: ‘To take advantage of this transformative technology, it’s crucial we get our approach to it right.
‘The results of the call for evidence give us a crucial evidence base to inform our future work on AI, helping us make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.’
Morgan Briggs, a policy research and strategy manager at the Turing Institute said: ‘There are multiple ways in which generative AI could benefit the sector – but simultaneously, there are concerns and risks that must be addressed.
‘These include dependency on commercial generative AI, the possible infringement of rights, the spread of bias and misinformation, and plagiarism.
‘To realise the full potential of these tools, it will be crucial to engage children and young people in the development and deployment of generative AI in education.’
Some teachers have admitted to using AI tools to help plan lessons and mark student’s homework
The report comes after a shocking two-thirds of secondary school pupils admitted to using AI, while one in 10 teachers admitted they had no way of knowing, according to a survey released in June.
Around 67 per cent of youngsters surveyed admitted they used chatbots such as ChatGPT to write essays or do work for them.
Almost half, 42 per cent, otf the 1,000 secondary school students surveyed said they use AI all the time to solve maths problems, while 41 per cent use it to write English essays.
Whereas a quarter, 25 per cent, tapped into these chatbots to translate something into a foreign language, write a poem (24 per cent) and help with their physics work (20 per cent).
According to the data, 18 per cent admitted they have turned to AI to help come up with an essay topic for history, create a piece of art (18 per cent) and take a science test (18 per cent) for them.
Surprisingly, two-thirds of the students polled, 68 per cent, said they are getting better grades and results by using AI.
Mel Parker, Educational Technologist at RM Technology and a former Headteacher, said: ‘This research shows the sheer prevalence of AI in the classroom already – but its impact is only starting to be felt.
‘Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have great potential if regulated properly in schools, and can be used to create a more inclusive educational environment for students.
‘But the real impact will be on the time AI can save teachers.
‘From assisting with marking to alleviating some of the burden of administrative work – AI can support teachers in saving hours each week, which can be reinvested into more face-to-face time with students.
‘While it’s clear proper training and regulation are necessary, we as a sector must start to embrace the opportunities AI brings.’
By Daily Mail Online, November 28, 2023
