Jessica O'ConnorArtificial intelligence (AI) is used in almost one in five schools, yet many staff yet to recieve adequate training, GMB has warned.
According to GMB a survey of 1,250 school support staff, 16% said pupils at their respective schools are using AI, with 17% saying the technology is also being used by them or their colleagues.
At the same time, more than 84% said they have not received training on Digital and Technology Standards.
In a letter to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, GMB highlighted these survey results along with concerns of workers.
The findings revealed that a further 39% of school workers have concerns about the impact of AI in education, including worries over cheating, plagiarism, lazy thinking, loss of human touch and too much screen time
In addition, 63% viewed AI in education as ‘a largely negative thing’, while 67% were worried AI might be used as a means to reduce staffing levels within five years.
GMB has called on the Government to issue guidelines for the use of AI technology in education so staff are adequately prepared to support pupils.
Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said: “Despite AI’s increasing use in schools, there is a distinct lack of training for staff.
“School workers should be involved from the ground up when introducing new technology – not only so they can use it in the most effective way possible, but they can point out potential pitfalls.
“AI can be a powerful force for good in schools, but huge dangers lurk and school workers, unions and Ministers must pull together in the same direction.”
