AI classroom plan must involve school support staff, says GMB

The Government’s plan to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms must be done with the help of school support staff, according to GMB Union.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, announced today, said Ministers “anticipate that AI will be a useful tool for assessment in the education sector…helping some teachers cut down the 15+ hours a week they spend on lesson planning and marking.” 

GMB voiced concerns that school support staff would be left out of conversations around new technology.

A recent survey of GMB’s school support staff members found that only 6% said their employers consult them before new technology is introduced in schools.

Meanwhile, 60% were worried that technological progress might be used to reduce staffing levels during the next five years.

Stacey Booth, national officer at GMB, said: “Many support staff will be worried about what the Government’s plans mean for their work day-to-day.

“GMB members cannot be left out of the conversation.

“Automation is nothing new in education and some of our members already use new technologies in their jobs.