AI is already in schools. It happened so fast. Just a couple of years after sophisticated AI models launched, they are now being used extensively in education. Both teachers and students are using AI. Governments are working hard to try and regulate the use of AI in classrooms and beyond. 

AI is huge and, to be honest, it is not going anywhere. It isn’t a bubble just waiting to pop. AI will be used extensively in classrooms from here on out.

The question is whether AI is helping or harming education. Well, it is both. Let’s explain.

The New Reality of AI in Education

As we said, AI is here to stay. It is the reality in education, for better or worse. It is being used in slightly different ways.

Teachers, for instance, are utilising AI for planning lessons, producing reports, and doing various admin tasks. The sort of things that AI should be used for i.e., reducing workload.

Pupils are using AI-powered apps to study, chatbots to find out answers to questions, etc.

Unfortunately, some students are using AI to produce work. Essentially, this saves them a lot of time, but the student learns nothing. This is something that teachers will need to adapt to going forward.

Governments around the world are also trying to rewrite laws to accommodate AI. In terms of education, there needs to be safeguards in place. This means students’ data is protected, and they won’t be exposed to the ‘bad side’ of AI.

Safeguarding Comes First

Since AI is going nowhere, schools need to embrace it. This means choosing the right AI options to use. For schools, safeguarding should be at the forefront of their mind when choosing AI tools. In fact, safeguarding is a priority for schools, AI or not.

Tools must meet safety and privacy baselines. This means students must have their data properly protected by the AI tool. The tool needs to be safe to use. Ideally, it would be designed with school usage in mind.

We know that there are a few major AI tools out there. Names you’ve probably heard of. However, don’t choose an AI tool based on the name alone. Inspectors don’t care about the name. They care about how the tool works based on safeguarding and safety outcomes.

The Three Pillars of Responsible AI in Schools

There are three rules we believe schools should stick to in order to get the most out of their AI usage.

Time

AI should be a tool to save a teacher’s time. If it is just increasing their workload, then AI tools are not useful for that particular job.

Schools should always be monitoring the efficiency of AI tools and usage. This will be the key KPI.

Safety

Student data should be safe. It should be protected. Tools should be transparent, and there should be accountability for the tool. Accountability comes from the tool creator in the first place, as well as schools that have a responsibility to protect their students.

Untested AI tools should not be used in classrooms. Untested AI tools may not protect student data, and some may feed up information that students shouldn’t be seeing.

Humans on the Hook

AI is a useful tool, but it should only be used as support. Even if teachers are using AI to make decisions, the teacher should always be responsible for the decision. AI should be a supporting tool, not the full decision maker. Remember, as sophisticated as AI tools are, they can’t replace human judgment.

AI Risks Schools Can’t Ignore

Of course, there are a few risks to using AI. Risks that can impact a school.

Deepfakes and Misinformation

AI can create fake images, videos, and text. This can mislead students and teachers. Misinformation is a big ‘no’ in the world of education. The problem is that as AI gets better, it becomes harder and harder to discern what is real and what is not.

Biased or Unreliable Outputs

AI systems often have in-built bias. This may be due to the way in which the AI was programmed or the training data that the model used. This can result in misleading and sometimes inaccurate, information.

Over-Reliance on Technology

When people, particularly students, overuse AI they may forget ‘core’ skills. For example, using AI to solve problems won’t allow children to develop their problem-solving or critical thinking skills. Using AI for research can reduce research skills.

Academic Integrity at Risk

Students can generate an entire essay in seconds with AI. This can mean students can deliver something passable without really understanding what they have produced. This results in schools having the challenge of trying to work with AI, while also ensuring that students are actually learning.

The Potential AI Benefits for Schools

AI can be incredibly beneficial to teachers, particularly on the time-saving front.

For example, AI can be used to reduce paperwork. It can also assist with feedback and marking of papers/tests. Although, we must stress that a teacher shouldn’t rely solely on AI. The teacher still takes full responsibility for any feedback.

Time saved means that there is more time left for teaching pupils. It means that students can receive a better education.

Striking the Right Balance

AI is a useful tool but despite what some people may tell you, AI is not perfect. It cannot do everything. It is useful for saving time and providing assistance in the classroom. However, you cannot believe the hype and believe that AI will do everything. Likewise, you also shouldn’t buy into the fear-mongering about AI. Yes. AI has issues. However, with the right know-how, many of these issues (e.g. misinformation) can be avoided.

As a school, if you’re looking to procure an AI system to use, don’t forget to ask the tough questions of the provider of the AI tool. Make sure that it offers good safeguarding. Make sure that it provides useful information, is easy to use, etc. A good AI provider will not be afraid to answer even the toughest questions.

Don’t just jump right into using an AI tool either. When a tool is selected, pilot it, track results, and evaluate how you have used it in the educational environment. Make sure that the tool works how you need it to work.

AI In Schools: Tool Or Trap?

AI is having an impact on education, but it shouldn’t completely transform education on its own. Some people are very fearful of how AI can be used in the classroom. It shouldn’t be used as a teaching tool, but it can be used to save a lot of time. Basically, it complements education, rather than replaces it.

Teachers can, and should, be supported by AI tools. However, the teacher should always be central to the process. This is because proper AI usage needs human oversight to ensure that it is being used properly, and that it is working effectively.

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Artificial intelligence isn’t the only (relatively) new kid on the teaching block. AR (otherwise known as augmented reality) is another branch of technology that is changing industries worldwide. While it may be some time before it becomes commonplace, augmented reality is worth the investment for your classroom.

Don’t worry; the 2D teaching resources you’ve used for years aren’t going anywhere. AR in education brings a 3D element to the game, allowing students to explore everything from dinosaurs to human organs more deeply and nuanced than ever.

There are many benefits to bringing augmented reality into the classroom. These are just the top five:

1. Enhances Engagement Through Interactive Learning

Traditionally, classroom settings rely on passive learning methods (e.g., presentations, pre-recorded videos, lectures, etc.), leaving pupils yearning (often subconsciously) for more engaging, interactive experiences—like those provided by augmented reality in education!

This technology brings a much-needed shift in how educators conduct their lessons, offering enhanced learning opportunities through interactivity. By merging physical and digital realms, AR turns otherwise confusing, abstract concepts into tangible events that are more enjoyable and effective to engage with.

For instance, you can boost history lessons by letting pupils virtually explore landmarks or witnessing crucial events unfold in a 360-degree experience. Such levels of engagement are fantastic for long-term retention and empowering students to become active participants in their learning journey.

Augmented reality’s immersive, interactive nature doesn’t just captivate and engage students’ interests, but it also encourages collaboration between peers. They can engage with each other and the content to explore and solve captivating challenges. To put it simply, AR makes learning more engaging. What teacher wouldn’t want that?

2. Makes Complex Subjects More Understandable

Let’s use science as an example here. It’s a notoriously complex subject, with many variables and information to consider. However, AR simplifies it by helping students visualize complex concepts. Whether it’s a tiny animal cell or a huge planet, interacting with them in a “hands-on” manner helps pupils understand the components of each. 

The same goes for biology. Can you imagine anything more magical and memorable than holding a 3D model of a human heart? AR in education gives your students that experience, enchanting and motivating them to understand even the most confusing topics. 

And this is just one subject! You can use augmented reality to bring the past to life in history, make convoluted fictional worlds more immersive, and so much more. You’ll undoubtedly be surprised by its ability to make typically tricky subjects easier.

3. Promotes Active Learning and Retention

Through its integration of virtual elements into the physical world, augmented reality allows students to actively engage with the material rather than passively listen or read it. This hands-on interaction with virtual objects and realistic simulations deepens their understanding and develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking, curiosity, and retention—the latter being one of the most important. 

Knowledge retention has always been a challenge, no matter the grade. Traditional methods often fail to provide long-term information retention as pupils struggle to connect abstract concepts to real life. AR, however, works to solve this decades-long issue.

Research shows that the amalgamation of auditory and visual stimuli in augmented reality in education drastically boosts information recall compared to traditional teaching methods. Students who can see and interact with virtual items related to the subject they’re studying are more likely to retain the knowledge over time. Such a foundation of knowledge extends far beyond the classroom.

4. Supports Accessibility and Inclusive Learning

While many tools promise to elevate accessibility and inclusivity within learning environments, augmented reality (AR) is one of the most promising. It boasts the potential to banish barriers to education and let everybody engage with learning experiences.

One key element when considering inclusive education is the interests of those with disabilities or special educational needs. Interestingly, augmented reality catches the interest of students with disabilities and special educational needs. With that in mind, researchers analyzed several studies. They concluded that pupils with auditory limitations, ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia are particularly eager to engage with and benefit from AR in education.

Beyond that, augmented reality applications include real-time captions, audio descriptions, and translations, making content more accessible to those with language barriers, sensory impairments, or disabilities. They can also simulate physical environments, helping individuals with mobility challenges engage in all manner of learning experiences. 

5. Bridges the Gap Between Theory and Practice

As previously explained, traditional teaching methods often fail to bridge the gap between theory and practice. However, augmented reality changes the game. Breathing life into concepts and theoretical knowledge gives practicality to the material, deepening understanding and helping students retain the newly learned information.

Take physics, for example. Augmented reality simulations allow pupils to see abstract principles in action, making concepts more tangible and easier to understand. 

Integrate AR Into Your School Today!

Bringing AR to your classroom has innumerable benefits, including bridging the often-wide gap between theory and practice, supporting accessibility and inclusive learning, promoting active learning and retention, making complex subjects more digestible, and enhancing engagement.

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Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly impacted the world for good. AI has been a seismic wave of change, from smart thermostats to high-tech cars to the near-instant creation of images. It has left no industry untouched – education included.

Traditionalists may not welcome this information with open arms, but we’re here to show you that embracing this new technology opens countless doors of opportunity for you and your students. Integrating AI into lesson plans can enhance learning experiences, support pupils and educators, and even streamline administrative tasks. 

In this article, we discuss the five primary benefits of AI in education.

1. Personalised Learning Experiences

There are more students in a classroom than there are teachers. As such, you can’t possibly personalise your lesson plans for each individual and their distinct learning style. Nor can you constantly provide meaningful feedback on everybody’s work. But AI can, thanks to these abilities:

• Adaptive learning — AI-based platforms use students’ learning patterns, strengths, and weaknesses to deliver appropriate, customised exercises. Since everyone learns at different rates, the technology facilitates understanding according to personal proficiency levels for more effective lessons. One study showed that pupils who utilised AI-powered learning programs saw a whopping 62% increase in test scores!
• Predictive analytics — The advanced algorithms used in AI applications accurately assess current abilities and pick out problem areas for the future, tailoring the delivered content as per its findings.
• Dynamic content—Some platforms use AI to craft content that matches the student’s individual personality and learning progress. Such systems often work in real-time, guiding students on a unique path that still achieves the ultimate goal.

Artificial intelligence systems allow students to progress at their own pace, helping them deeply understand and retain the information for long-term use.

2. Enhanced Accessibility & Inclusion

Hopefully, what we’re about to say won’t surprise you, but it’s important to be shared — education should be accessible to all students equally. Unfortunately, that’s often easier said than practised in classroom environments. After all, there’s only one of you and tens of them! 

This is where AI can turn things around.

Artificial intelligence can decimate barriers to education and offer a customised experience for students with varied learning disabilities and educational needs. Platforms with advanced natural language processing and AI text to speech abilities are beneficial. 

Learning can be easier for students when education is condensed into a dialogue (of sorts) between them and the system. Couple this with the personalised learning experiences discussed above, and AI well and truly flattens barriers to education.

3. Streamlined Administrative Processes

AI in education isn’t all about the students, though. It can streamline many administrative tasks, letting you focus on what you do best — educating the youth. There are three primary ways in which it does this:

• Feedback and grading — AI can automatically grade answers to multiple-choice tests and quizzes, saving you hours of marking. And thanks to advanced algorithms, it also offers instant feedback, so students know exactly what to improve on.
• Predictive analytics — As previously mentioned, AI can identify students who may fall behind in certain areas, helping you prevent it before the problem arises. On top of that, it can predict equipment maintenance needs, ensuring your school remains safe.
• Administrative workflow — Tasks like attendance tracking, resource allocation, and scheduling take up a lot of your time. But AI can lift the burden from your shoulders, freeing your agenda so you can focus on more strategical tasks.

4. Data-driven Insights for Educators

AI and data go hand-in-hand, and from an educator’s point of view, that’s pretty exciting. Not only does it have the capacity to make evaluating and grading students easier, but it also boasts the potential to raise the quality of education and academic standards across the board.

This technology can ensure consistency and accuracy when grading, provide access to resources and support the delivery of your instruction. Leveraging AI-powered platforms gives you a unique opportunity to teach a more comprehensive curriculum that meets students’ ever-evolving needs. It turns digital space into a dynamic, collaborative environment where students and educators can share resources and knowledge for continuous learning.

Beyond that, AI provides real-time insights into student performance and learning outcomes. With accurate data analytics, you can easily track their progress, spot trends, and note improvement areas seamlessly. It lets you take a proactive approach to education, adjusting plans promptly to forge better experiences and outcomes for everyone involved.

5. Gamified and Engaging Learning Tools

Lastly, AI enhances the gamification already used in schools nationwide, adding a new level of personalisation and adaptability to an already fun lesson aspect.

Teachers don’t need to manually set task difficulty. Instead, AI can do it for every student, ensuring it’s the perfect balance of doable and challenging, no matter their current performance. The result? is a truly engaged classroom.

Bring AI to Your Classroom Today!

From data-driven insights to gamified learning to streamlined administrative processes to enhanced accessibility to personalised educational experiences, AI provides it all.

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How to Train Your Teachers and School Staff on AI and Get the Most Out of Gemini, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot

Training your school staff on AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot isn’t about turning them into tech experts. Instead, it’s about showing them how these tools can make their teaching and administrative work easier, faster, and more effective. The goal is to shift their perspective from “AI is confusing” to “AI saves me time.”

AI Is Already in Education

We all know the challenges: endless emails, meetings that could’ve been handled in a quick update, and administrative tasks that take hours to complete. AI has the potential to simplify these processes, and it’s not as complicated as it might seem. Whether using Gemini for research, ChatGPT for communication, or Microsoft Copilot for document creation, these tools are designed to streamline tasks and reduce errors.

You don’t need advanced technical skills to use AI—just curiosity and a willingness to learn. That’s the real magic of AI: it turns complex tasks into manageable, time-saving activities once you know how to leverage it.

AI Use Cases That Transform Education

• ChatGPT for Creative and Instructional Support: Whether you’re drafting lesson plans, sending emails to parents, or brainstorming activities for students, ChatGPT can do the heavy lifting. It helps structure ideas, check tone, and even proofread content. It doesn’t replace your creativity—it enhances it. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes.

• Microsoft Copilot for Administrative Work: Think about how much time is spent on reports, presentations, or grading. Microsoft Copilot is like having an assistant that can summarise data, create presentations, and even pull insights from spreadsheets. These time-consuming tasks are automated, giving educators more time to focus on teaching and engaging with students.

• Gemini for Research and Data Analysis: When conducting student assessments, researching educational trends, or planning curriculum, Gemini’s AI-driven approach helps sort through vast amounts of information. It can quickly gather insights, freeing teachers from hours of research and allowing them to focus on applying that information to their classrooms.

Rolling Out AI Training in Schools

1. Start Small, Expand Gradually: Instead of overwhelming staff with every AI feature, start by integrating one tool, like ChatGPT, into a specific task, such as lesson planning or email communication. Once they experience the benefits, they’ll be eager to explore other tools. Focus first on tasks that take up the most time, and show how AI can reduce that burden.

2. Hands-On Workshops: AI training should be practical, not theoretical. Encourage teachers and staff to bring real challenges to the table and solve them using AI during the training. How can Copilot streamline report writing? How can Gemini help analyze student performance data? Make the training directly relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities.

3. AI Champions: Identify staff who are naturally enthusiastic about technology and appoint them as AI champions. These early adopters can provide support to others, share best practices, and experiment with new tools. Peer learning often works best, as colleagues can help each other navigate new technologies.

4. Regular Check-ins: AI is constantly evolving, and so will the ways your staff uses it. Schedule regular “AI office hours” where teachers and school staff can ask questions, troubleshoot issues, or share tips. Continuous learning will ensure that AI tools are being used effectively and efficiently.

Embedding AI in Daily School Operations

The real value of AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini comes when they’re embedded into daily routines. It’s not about using AI because it’s trendy—it’s about making it an integral part of how the school operates. Over time, AI stops feeling like a separate tool and becomes a seamless part of how work gets done.

The Impact on Education

By incorporating AI into school workflows, teachers and staff will spend less time on repetitive, administrative tasks and more time on what matters most—teaching, supporting students, and improving the overall learning environment. Fewer mistakes, more efficient operations, and higher-quality work are the ultimate goals for any educational institution.

Training your school staff on AI is about more than just learning a new tool. It’s about transforming the way they approach their work. Once they experience how AI can reduce time spent on busywork and increase the quality of their output, the potential to enhance education becomes limitless.

In the context of schools, AI is quickly becoming an integral part of the education system, reshaping how teachers, school staff, and administrators manage their time and approach their roles. Just as with other sectors, the impact of AI in education isn’t uniform—certain areas see a more significant transformation, while others remain human-centric. Here’s how this shift is playing out:

Take administrative tasks, for instance. AI is revolutionising repetitive jobs like scheduling, grading, and attendance tracking. Automated systems can handle much of this workload, freeing up time for teachers and school staff to focus on more important tasks—like individualised student support, lesson planning, and real-time classroom engagement. AI in these roles is a game changer, lightening the administrative burden so that educators can dedicate more time to their students.

In lesson planning and curriculum development, AI tools can analyse data to recommend resources, personalise learning paths for students, and even suggest creative activities tailored to different learning styles. Yet, the art of teaching—the nuance of crafting a lesson that resonates with students, engaging them, and adapting on the fly—remains the teacher’s domain. AI serves as a powerful assistant, but the core of teaching still relies on human insight and connection.

School staff, such as those in the front office or support roles, are also benefiting from AI. Automated systems can manage tasks like communication with parents, handling routine inquiries, and maintaining student records. These tools allow staff to shift their focus to higher-value work, such as improving school processes, addressing unique concerns, and creating a welcoming environment for students and parents alike.

Even in areas like student behaviour tracking and school safety, AI is starting to make an impact. Systems that monitor student behaviour and flag potential issues are becoming more prevalent, giving teachers and school counsellors real-time data to act upon. While these tools are helpful, the role of educators and staff in interpreting this data and making informed decisions is irreplaceable. AI provides the information, but human judgment is still crucial.

In terms of school leadership and management, AI is helping principals and administrators streamline operations. Whether it’s optimising budgets, tracking academic performance, or planning school resources, AI offers insights that can lead to more informed decisions. Yet, much like project management in other industries, school leadership requires a human touch—AI can provide the data, but leadership, vision, and strategic decision-making remain firmly in human hands.

Ultimately, the impact of AI in schools mirrors trends seen across other industries. It’s not about replacing educators or staff but enabling them to focus on what they do best—teaching, guiding, and supporting students. Schools that successfully integrate AI will find their teams able to spend less time on mundane tasks and more time on creative, problem-solving, and student-focused work. The key, as always, is training and adopting the right tools so that AI can become a valuable partner in the education system.