By Professor Rose Luckin, Professor at University College London and Founder of Educate Ventures Research (EVR)

As AI continues to transform various industries, the education sector is gradually exploring its potential to support teachers, students, and administrators. While the landscape of AI adoption in education may seem vast and complex, I want to assure you that you are not alone in navigating this new territory and offer practical advice on how to get started and progress in your AI journey.

The AI landscape in education
AI is already being used in various ways across the education sector, from personalised learning platforms to automated grading systems.

However, the adoption of AI is not uniform, and many schools are still in the early stages of exploration. Some common applications of AI in education include:

1. Adaptive learning systems that adjust content and pace based on student performance
2. Chatbots and virtual assistants to support student inquiries and provide guidance
3. Automated essay scoring and feedback tools
4. Predictive analytics to identify students at risk of falling behind or dropping out
5. Intelligent tutoring systems that provide targeted support and feedback

While these applications show promise, it's essential to approach AI adoption with a clear strategy and an understanding of the potential challenges, such as data privacy concerns, the need for staff training, and the importance of maintaining human connection in teaching and learning.

Getting started with AI
If you're new to AI in education, the best place to start is by educating yourself and your team about the basics of AI and its potential applications in your school. Here are some steps you can take:

• Attend conferences, webinars, or workshops focused on AI in education to learn from experts and peers.
• Develop a purpose, driven approach to AI. Which means identifying the reason that you want to use some artificial intelligence rather than identifying a particular AI tool. For example, you might want to save time in the development of curriculum materials or provide faster feedback to students.
• Create a working group or task force to research and discuss potential AI applications in your school.
• Develop a clear vision for AI adoption that aligns with your school's values and goals.
• Create an ethical AI policy that articulates the parameters within which AI can be used by staff and students in your organisation (for example, this by Warrington and Vale Royal College).
• The work of the Institute of Ethical AI in Education can also be helpful in building your understanding of what AI should and should not be used for.
• Start small by piloting AI tools in specific areas, such as homework support or essay feedback, and gather feedback from teachers and students.

Progressing your AI journey
Once you have started exploring AI, it's important to continue learning and adapting as the technology evolves. Here are some tips for progressing your AI journey:

1. Foster a culture of experimentation and learning, encouraging staff to share their experiences and best practices with AI. All within the parameters that you have set through your ethical AI policy.
2. Provide ongoing training and support for teachers to help them integrate AI effectively into their teaching practice.
3. Collaborate with other schools, education organisations, or AI providers to share knowledge and resources.
4. Regularly evaluate the impact of AI tools on student learning, teacher workload, and school operations, and make adjustments as needed.
5. Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in AI for education and be prepared to adapt your strategy as the landscape evolves.

Remember, the goal of AI in education is not to replace teachers but to empower them with tools and insights that can enhance their practice and support student learning. By approaching AI adoption with a growth mindset and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can position your school to harness the potential of this transformative technology.

Navigating the AI landscape in education may seem daunting, but by taking a strategic and incremental approach, you can unlock the benefits of AI for your school community. Don't hesitate to reach out to peers, experts, and organisations for support and guidance on your AI journey. Together, we can shape the future of education in the age of AI.


Professor Rose Luckin is Professor at University College London and Founder of Educate Ventures Research (EVR).   Professor Luckin is also a speaker at Leading AI in Education: A workshop for school, college and trust leaders, our new series of workshops around the country with co-hosts EDUCATE Ventures Research, AI in Education, and Canopy Education CIC. Find out more here. 


Useful resources

• The Institute for Ethical AI in Education (IEAIED) Framework: covers nine key principles: educational goals, assessment, administration and workload, equity, autonomy, privacy, transparency and accountability, informed participation, and ethical design. Freely available to download here. 
• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Leader’s guide provides recommendations for education leaders and policymakers on the ethical use of AI in education. Covers topics such as bias, privacy, transparency, and student agency and is available here.  
• UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: while not specific to education, this comprehensive document provides a global framework for the ethical development and use of AI. Includes principles such as human rights, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability and is available here.  
• UNICEF's Policy Guidance on AI for Children: focuses on protecting children's rights in the development and use of AI systems and covers issues such as privacy, safety, transparency, and fairness. Available here.