In the first of our March Further Education community meetups, we welcomed Kirsty Ingleson, Digital Innovation Manager at Kirklees College. Kirsy led an interactive session and shared a wealth of resources and information from their college’s journey, with a focus on supporting staff and students, fostering curiosity, and ensuring that AI tools are used meaningfully.
During the session, participants shared some of the biggest challenges they face when navigating AI in education. Key concerns included the rapid pace of change, a lack of clear policy guidance, age restrictions on certain tools, security risks, and delays in management decisions. Kirsty also encouraged discussion on what AI is enabling us to do. Responses from the community strongly emphasised the time-saving benefits of AI tools and better workload management.
Building confidence in AI was a key theme, with Kirsty drawing parallels to the early days of the internet. She explained how Kirklees College has taken an organisational approach to AI adoption, ensuring that everyone—from governors to catering staff—has access to training and resources. As well as confirming that the tools themselves are accessible, they have focused on using inclusive language and terminology while talking about AI to reduce barriers and ensure everyone can participate in these important conversations.
Kirsty also shared opportunities to get involved in, including the CreAItive Club, a monthly AI club in which members share and support each other with AI projects, the AIC (Artificial Intelligence Collaboration) group where members from across the sector share resources and knowledge, and TechTober, an annual event bringing leaders in the sector together to deliver sessions around AI and digital tools. She also shared some upcoming events open to all including the “All in for AIpril” series beginning the week commencing 28th April, which will be early evening sessions to support parents and guardians in understanding AI. Follow Kirsty on Linkedin to get involved and see updates on these fantastic projects.
Discussing with the community
During the discussion, members raised the challenges of student access to AI platforms, particularly the role of parental consent for under-18s. Institutions are working closely with IT teams to manage permissions, while also ensuring students receive clear guidance on appropriate AI use. The All in for AIpril event was highlighted as a valuable opportunity to engage parents and guardians on AI issues.
Concerns were raised about AI detection tools like Turnitin, with calls for alternative assessment methods. Our AI in FE Assessment working group is currently creating guidance to support members approaching assessment and AI which will be shared with the community. The conversation also touched on employer expectations, the environmental impact of AI, and the importance of a holistic, non-judgmental approach to AI education that includes staff, students, and parents.
The recording and transcript from Kirsty’s session is available on our YouTube channel.
Next session
On Tuesday 18th March 12.30-1.30, Ryan Molyneaux from Gloucestershire College will be presenting ‘Beyond the Hype: Practical AI Strategies for Further Education’.
If you’ve yet to sign up for the FE community meet-ups, you can do so by completing this form. Sessions are open to all Jisc members.
If you’d like to volunteer to present at one of our future sessions, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at AI@jisc.ac.uk.
Join us at Digifest
If you are attending Digifest this year then stop by the Community Hub on day one for our AI in FE workshop: Preparing learners for an AI-enabled working world.
Community meetup: Preparing learners for an AI-enabled working world
11th March 2025 – 11:05* in the Community Hub (afternoon break), Hall 3
We’ll be discussing the challenges of enhancing AI literacy in learners and students. Bring your questions and thoughts to share ideas around AI learner resources… what’s missing and what works well?
*Session previously scheduled for afternoon break
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.
Join our AI in Education communities to stay up to date and engage with other members.
Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk