In our final Further Education community session of this academic year, we took a look back at another transformative year in AI. This was an interactive session including breakout discussions and as such there won’t be a recording made available for this one, however we’ve captured the highlights below for anyone who couldn’t make it.
The pace of AI development
We opened the session with a lively retrospective of major advances in AI this year. From generative AI increasingly being worked into daily tools like Google’s controversial AI Overviews, to the introduction of “deep research” tools by companies including DeepSeek, Perplexity, and OpenAI. Members reflected on how these tools are reshaping habits, including how some users are trying to avoid features like unwanted AI summaries across search engines and social media platforms.
There was also discussion around improvements in image generation including OpenAI’s new image model which we saw has much better handling of text and realism. Members had noticed improvements in Microsoft Copilot’s image generation as well as in Canva and Meta’s image tools. Some members had also begun experimenting with OpenAI’s Sora for video generation but found the outputs inconsistent.
We also considered the sheer frequency of AI releases and advancements this year, with the majority feeling that the pace has felt even faster than in previous years. Though not all agreed with this as a few felt it had stayed the same or even slowed compared to last year.
These discussions got us onto the role of media reporting on AI, and how this might be influencing our perceptions on the speed of change. Which led us nicely into the second half of the session where we explored some of the top headlines around AI from the past year through a ‘Have I got News for You’ inspired activity which challenged members to take a guess at the missing words from the headlines.
Topics from the headlines included the challenges of AI detection and assessment, increasing employer expectations for AI skills in, and the complex environmental impacts of AI. Articles explored the continued tension between innovation and regulation, especially in areas such as copyright, job automation, and even the use of AI by younger learners for learning and play. The final piece we considered looked at the rise of agentic AI and AI agents, something many are looking forward to exploring more into the next year.
Discussing our experiences
Next, we split into breakout rooms to discuss experiences of this year and add key points to a shared Padlet. The discussions covered what went well, lessons that were learned and what members were taking forward as priorities for the new year.
Highlights included the positive impact of Jisc’s output and its communities, how advances in image generation have opened new creative opportunities for art and design students, and the use of Copilot Studio to create AI agents. In terms of lessons learned, AI use regulations were mentioned as well as recognising the importance of helping students become more aware and critical of their AI usage. Looking ahead, top priorities for the next year included AI literacy for both staff and students, addressing concerns of over-reliance on AI tools, leveraging data analytics, and encouraging the critical use of Generative AI specifically for ESOL teachers.
Humorously, one group noted that their biggest highlight and biggest lesson learned were the same: “realising we’re behind.” However, the underlying message of this statement was a positive one. Bringing perspective to the challenges of AI and acknowledging that adaptation to such disruptive technology takes time. The takeaway was optimistic, that with continued focus and collaboration we’ll be continue to get better equipped at navigating the changes and opportunities that lie ahead.
Community highlights
We wrapped up the session with a celebration of community achievements this year, including our second in-person meetup at Digifest ‘25, the release of the AI and Assessment working groups fantastic FE AI and Assessment Top Tips resource, and the appointing of our first Community Champion – Bryony Evett Hackfort from Coleg Sir Gâr | Coleg Ceredigion for her outstanding contributions to the community.
We also thanked all of our amazing guest speaker this year who gave their time to share their expertise with the wider community.
Many thanks again to:
- Roddy Peters – Windsor Forest Colleges group
- Adam Leeson – SMB Group
- Bryony Evett Hackfort – Coleg Sir Gâr, Coleg Ceredigion
- Nigel Holloway – Coleg Cambria
- Kim Blanchard – Activate Learning
- Patrick Kelly-Goss – Activate Learning
- Ryan Molyneux – Gloucestershire College
- Klaudia Adamczyk – West Thames College
- Kirsty Ingleson – Kirklees College
If you missed one of their sessions you can find recordings on our YouTube channel or have a read through our community blog posts this year.
If you are an FE member and would be interested in presenting at a meetup in the new year please get in touch at AI@Jisc.ac.uk, we’d love to hear from you!
Join us next year
AI in FE Community sessions will be returning in September, featuring more brilliant guest speakers from the community as well as opportunities to ask questions and share experiences.
To receive invitations to the meetups please join our new Jiscmail community.
Community sessions are open to all Jisc members, please do register with your academic email address or your registration won’t be accepted.
Once registered you will receive a welcome email later this month and then receive new monthly invitations for sessions starting at the beginning of next academic year. This is an announcement only list (separate from our discussion list) so you’ll only receive communications from Jisc’s AI team for the purpose of inviting you to the sessions.