We had a fantastic time at Digifest last week, which attracted 847 attendees in person and a further 1057 online, providing a glimpse into what the future of education could look like. We had a stand showcasing the work we do in the Artificial Intelligence team, including our AI demos and blogs. We had excellent discussions with members across the two-day event, gaining insights and feedback from a variety of institutions across the UK. As part of our stand, we had a post-it notes feedback grid to capture the Hopes, Wants, Fears and Needs of our members.
This blog looks at that feedback in more detail, highlighting the key themes that arose in our discussions.
Fears
Interestingly, a lot of the discussions revolved around fears, highlighting the need for ongoing education and understanding of how AI could benefit the sector. Many expressed concerns about the pace at which AI is being integrated, questioning whether we are rushing into its adoption too quickly without considering the consequences. There was apprehension regarding the misuse or unethical use of AI, along with concerns about job displacement and the risk of students not utilising the tools properly. Our FE Learner Guidance blog may offer some guidance here.
Additionally, there was concern about whether AI will prioritise human interests once it surpasses our intelligence. The doubts surrounding the storage of information, data protection, and the investments of AI overshadowing investments in the evolution of human intelligence highlight the complexity of these worries. Also, the environmental impact of AI, particularly its carbon footprint, emerged as a significant worry.
Our recently published Guiding Your AI Journey: Essential Resources blog may be a great starting point for institutions. At Digifest, we directed several members to this resource and gained great feedback. By organising our resources in one place, it provides guidance through each stage. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or further along the journey, you can find links to our useful resources.
Alternatively, it was also noted that AI might persist in being seen as a threat, rather than an opportunity, possibly slowing down its adoption in education. There was a recognition that AI is here to stay and it’s important to stay updated on advancements to avoid falling behind.
Overall, these responses highlight the complex nature of fears surrounding AI in education and the need for careful consideration to address them. We hope that the work we do and continue to do will help to ease some of these concerns.
Hopes/Wants
The hopes and wants expressed by those we spoke to revealed a real desire for ethical and responsible use of AI, with a focus on ensuring students are aware of the ethical challenges associated with its use. There was hope that AI will streamline tasks and save time for staff, allowing them to focus more on interactions with students, along with the optimism that more people would begin to embrace new technologies at institutions.
Despite the integration of AI, individuals expressed that it was key for students to continue receiving valuable feedback from humans. There was also recognition of AI’s potential to assist both staff and students in organising and developing their thoughts, contributing to a more structured learning environment. A point that came up several times was the hope for collaboration within the sector, with a focus on sharing experiences and addressing challenges together. Ultimately, there was a hopeful vision of AI creating a supportive community that benefits society. We currently host monthly community meetups for both our FE and HE members, which provide the opportunity to discuss experiences and share knowledge.
Needs
Discussions around ‘Needs’ highlighted several key areas that require attention. Firstly, there was a call for comprehensive case studies showcasing how AI is effectively used in educational settings. We are currently working on our Resource Hub which will showcase examples of AI in use. You can explore some of the examples we’ve received already here. There was also a need for the continued development of guidelines that institutions can use to ensure ethical and responsible AI use.
Another need identified was ensuring the responsible use of AI by under 18s, emphasising the importance of developing their skills in AI while ensuring their safety and well-being. This concern was reiterated in the needs/fears section, which recognises the challenges and risks associated with this. Lastly, there was a pressing need to enhance the skills of staff members in both using and teaching AI, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage AI effectively in their roles.
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our discussions and visited our stand to engage with us. We thoroughly enjoyed Digifest 2024 and hope you did too!
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
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Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk