Jessica O'ConnorEight in 10 parents trust education staff to make decisions about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools and colleges, according to new polling published by the TUC.
The polling revealed that 80% of parents with a child in school or college trust educators to make decisions about AI in their children’s learning.
However, fewer than four in 10 parents (38%) said they have been actively consulted on the use of AI in their child’s education.
The findings come as 10 major education unions called for educators and their unions to be involved at every stage of AI introduction in education, from national policy development to classroom deployment.
In a joint statement published today, UNISON, Unite, UCU, NEU, NASUWT, NAHT, GMB, EIS, UCAC and AEP said: “Technology is not a panacea. It is a tool. The potential to enhance education for students, educators and society at large depends on the way these tools are designed, deployed, and evaluated.
“Meaningful educator involvement is needed throughout to ensure that the rapid roll out of AI in education is shaped by professionalism and sound pedagogy.”
The TUC said the polling demonstrates strong parental backing for unions’ calls to put education staff at the centre of AI decision-making.
Support for educator involvement was high across specific areas of AI use.
Almost eight in 10 parents supported educators’ involvement in monitoring AI’s impact on pupils (77%) and setting classroom limits (76%).
More than seven in 10 supported educator involvement in deciding which tools are used (75%) and in setting AI policies (72%).
The polling, conducted by Survation, also highlighted gaps in communication.
Fewer than four in 10 parents (38%) said they have been consulted on AI use in their child’s education.
Families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities were least likely to have been informed, with just 26% saying they have been told about AI use, compared with 46% of other families.
The unions ave called on the Government, employers and technology providers to commit to involving educators and their unions at every stage of AI and EdTech adoption.
Their roadmap sets out involvement at national policy level, in the design and development of EdTech systems, in local procurement and decision-making, and in local deployment and evaluation.
Kate Bell, TUC assistant general secretary, said: “AI is a tool that could enhance education for generations to come. But its benefits will not be properly realised unless educators and their unions are at the decision-making table from the outset – and parents strongly agree.
“Involving education workers at every step of the AI chain would enhance public confidence in the government’s AI agenda. It would also significantly improve outcomes for learners.
“Teachers, support staff and other education workers know better than anyone how this new technology could benefit both them and students.
“But AI alone cannot fix underfunding, staff shortages and overwhelming workloads.
“This government has already taken positive steps in engaging with education staff, however workers and their unions need to keep their seat at the decision-making table on these issues too.”
