TO BE PUBLISHED May 2025
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This conference will focus on next steps for AI and technology in education in England, following the Secretary of State for Education announcing new initiatives to integrate AI in the classroom.
It is bringing together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss opportunities and challenges posed by the use of AI in schools and colleges. Sessions in the agenda look at how AI can be applied to improve education, including which subjects will benefit most, as well as examining risks and legal considerations relating to ethics, data privacy and security. We expect discussion on DfE’s recently updated generative AI product safety guidance, and how students can be better taught to understand and safely use AI.
Risks
Looking at concerns surrounding limitations of AI use in education, areas for discussion include how to address the potential for inappropriate, biased or factually incorrect information to be generated. Delegates will consider how to ensure AI does not reduce students’ ability to problem-solve themselves or stifle the development of core skills, as well as AI as a potential factor in widening the digital divide amongst young people. There will also be discussion on how to address risks of data breaches or inappropriate use of information.
Opportunities
Delegates will also consider the impact of AI and technology on reducing staff workload and use within the classroom, such as in lesson planning and personalising learning, as well as strategies to utilise AI in resource allocation and finance planning to reduce administrative burdens.
Evaluating effectiveness
Those attending will consider priorities for the EdTech Evidence Board in evaluating the effectiveness of AI as part of teachers’ suite of educational tools and advising educators on its utilisation to improve student outcomes, and supporting responsible implementation. We also expect discussion on the responsibilities of EdTech companies in developing products with tangible impact on student learning, and integrating safety and security into AI-powered tools being used by teachers and young people.
Teacher training
The agenda includes a focus on the provision of training and support for the teaching workforce, examining how training on utilising AI can be integrated into ITT, with the Secretary of State recently announcing that it will be a mandatory part of training from April 2025.
Assessment
The conference will also be an opportunity to consider the future of AI in school and college assessment, with digital and on-screen exams due to be rolled out further in the coming years. Delegates will consider implications and opportunities of digital exams and remote invigilation, alongside the use of adaptive testing and identifying potential bias in written tests and how to address concern over the use of AI to produce assessment undertaken at home.
Investment, planning and coordination with wider policy aims
Further sessions will consider the rollout of the Plan Technology for Your School platform, a new resource designed to help schools strategically prioritise technology investments that support digital standards and compliance. Delegates will discuss the potential impact of this platform on wider government ambitions to reduce inequalities in access to education and enhance digital literacy across the school and college system. We also expect discussion on preparation for further education and employment opportunities in the digital sector.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from IfATE; FCDO; Education Scotland; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
