New support for students and teachers to help tackle the AI digital divide
The aim is to help educators and young people better understand how AI tools work, the opportunities and risks around their use in education
Free new training for students and teachers on how to safely and fairly use artificial intelligence while learning is designed to help tackle the digital divide.
Many sixth form and college teachers do not feel confident in their knowledge about AI, which can limit the educational support available to students about how to use AI appropriately and effectively to enhance their studies.
These gaps in support are likely to be greatest in under-resourced areas.
The two new online courses, offered by the University of Exeter, on Learn.Exeter, were developed as part of an EPSRC-funded project to improve knowledge about artificial intelligence to support widening participation.
One is aimed at educators, including teachers and other school staff who support sixth form and college students, and the other is designed for students doing further education courses such as A-levels or BTECs.
Both courses have been created collaboratively by University of Exeter staff with input from undergraduate students. The aim is to help educators and young people better understand how AI tools work, the opportunities and risks around their use in education, and how AI can be used responsibly in learning.
Conversations with teachers and advisers highlighted ongoing confusion about how AI can be used appropriately in post-16 coursework. This uncertainty can make it difficult for staff to confidently support students, so this course has been developed with exam board guidance, to clarify expectations and provide practical guidance.
Nicola Sinclair, Associate Director Access, Participation and Outreach at the University of Exeter, who is leading the project, said: “It is clear there is a digital divide. Young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to get clear advice and support about the use of artificial intelligence. We want to improve knowledge and understanding among students and their teachers.”
Dan Fenton, who with colleague Emma Parr, led on implementation and the development of outreach resources, said: “AI can be a tool which supports learning. Teachers who are confident about what AI is and its applications can help them to use it properly, effectively, fairly and safety. They can tackle misinformation and prevent the misuse of AI.
“These courses demonstrate how large language models work. We know there is an overwhelming need among teachers for this support, and we also know those working and learning in poorer areas are less likely to have it.”
Exam boards permit the use of AI in coursework, and the use of AI to enhance learning.
The courses, which focus on the use of AI language models such as ChatGPT, will be freely available online for two years. The course for teachers – of all subjects – is divided into two sessions, each of which take 45 minutes to complete. The student course is designed to be completed in one session, lasting 45 minutes.
Find the courses on https://learn.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php
