Teachers and experts acknowledge that generative artificial intelligence could have a transformative impact on education. This DfE report explores the opportunities and risks for GenAI in education.
Whilst GenAI could have a transformative impact on education - from helping teachers save time by automating tasks, to improving teaching effectiveness by personalizing learning for students - there is considerable concern about the risks it presents, as well as skepticism about whether these can be mitigated.
The adoption of GenAI among teachers and students has rapidly increased over the last year. By November 2023, 42% of primary and secondary teachers had used GenAI in their role, an increase from 17% in April. Pupils and students may be using GenAI more than their teachers, with 74% of online 16-24 year olds in the UK having used a GenAI tool.
Evidence on GenAI use in an educational context shows figures ranging from 14% to 67% of students having used GenAI for schoolwork and studies.
Educators are already realising the benefits of using GenAI, namely in helping them save time by creating lesson resources, planning lessons, and streamlining administrative processes. Reported benefits for students include increased engagement and better support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by personalizing learning materials.