The impact of generative AI on education and training
In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, training organisations across the UK are at a crossroads: embrace the transformative potential of AI to enhance efficiency, or risk falling behind in a digitally enabled world. The reality is that we now live in an AI enabled world, and if we want to support our students to thrive and move into sustainable employment post training, we need to embrace AI: avoiding it is impossible and banning its use is not an option, since its capabilities are already built into software that we all use every day such as document text editors, social media feeds, google maps directions, and Netflix, Spotify etc recommendations.
The Integration of AI in Education is increasingly becoming a vital component in education and training sectors. However, its adoption is often met with apprehension, primarily due to the rapid pace at which generative AI technology is evolving and the challenges of integrating it with existing educational frameworks. Despite these concerns, avoiding AI is no longer desirable. The question is not whether to use AI, but how to use it effectively and responsibly.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard have the potential to reshape how training is delivered. Excelling in automating repetitive tasks from creating learning materials to designing courses and aiding in lesson planning, generative AI facilitates these processes efficiently. It’s crucial, however, for educators to critically review AI-generated outputs.
Generative AI tools can support learners by sparking ideas for writing, simplifying complex concepts, and teaching critical skills like fact-checking. In addition, they have a vital role to play in both making learning more accessible for those with disabilities. For example, tools such as Teachermatic can help teachers design and deliver more inclusive and engaging lessons.
Jisc’s NCAITE provides a range of practical resources – to give a solid grounding when considering your approach to AI.
A good starting point is Jisc’s Generative AI primer which is updated quarterly to provide the very latest information on generative AI technology and tools, and their implications for education.
Updated September 2023 our annual report AI in tertiary education 2023 gives an overview of what AI can do for member organisations, where it can add the most value, and what to consider in order to implement it ethically, while A pathway towards responsible, ethical AI is designed to help navigate these complex issues with confidence.
Join our Jiscmail to stay up to date with developments and engage with the NCAITE community, receive updates, and share experiences about AI’s evolving role in education.
Wales AI community working group
We have established the Wales AI Community Working Group with a Teams area for you to share ideas and information between meetings. The group chose to work consecutively on chosen themes – Learner experience & employability, Training/skills development for staff and Policies. Term one is focused on policies. Date of next working group meeting where we will look at AI Policies is 4th December 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm. More volunteers welcome, get in touch with your Jisc relationship manager to find out more.
Digital Literacy Workshops
Please see below the dates and booking info for the Jisc Digital Literacy Autumn Workshops. They are aimed at practitioners who deliver the Digital Literacy qualification, there will be an element of sharing ideas, investigating tools etc.
- 18 December 2023 10am-12:30pm Gower College Swansea, Sketty Hall Swansea SA2 8QF – Register now
- 20 December 10am-12noon Online via Teams – Register now
We also have a Digital Diamonds Community, aimed at practitioners delivering the digital literacy qualification, if you would be interested in being a part of that community please do let us know
Building Digital Capabilities
We offer a wide range of workshops and services, included in the membership for all post 16 education in Wales, paid for by Welsh Government:
- Vision for Digital Capability and Skills
- Blended learning workshops
- Investigating Digital Tools
- Online Safety
- Employability workshop
- Digital Wellbeing & Identity
- Yawn to Yay
We can also tailor your day of support to meet specific needs. You may want a critical friend to support you with a certain project; or some bespoke coaching to overcome a particular challenge or problem. We’d be happy to discuss how we are able to support you with your journey to grow the digital capabilities and confidence of learning practitioners.
Online Digital Capability Workshops
Jisc will be running a series of online workshops to support building digital capabilities throughout Spring 2024. Use the code WALESFREE in the promotional code box on the payment page.
- 29 January 2024 3pm-5pm: Digital creation
- 5 February 2024 3pm-5pm: Digital problem solving & innovation
- 26 February 2024 3pm-5pm: Digital learning & development
- 4 March 2024 3pm-5pm: Digital communication and participation
- 11 March 2024 3pm-5pm: Digital media and information literacy
- 20 March 2024 10am-12pm: Data literacy
Get in touch with your Jisc relationship manager to find out more.
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