Scottish teacher turned tech entrepreneur says government scheme paves way for AI disruption in schools | FutureScot

Last week, the UK government announced a new £4 million initiative that will enhance AI in schools.

Ministers are aiming to make a large dataset available to AI companies to build better and more accurate tools and platforms for teachers. The project will focus on helping teachers to reduce workload, improve marking assistance, and create more personalised learning experiences.

This is great news, and it aligns with my own mission, as a former class teacher, to empower a new generation of learners with ‘trustworthy AI tech’ that is quickly disrupting my old profession and has the potential to transform learning as we know it. 

Teacherbot, our AI-powered learning platform, is already being used by 15,000 educators across 180 countries, positioning Scotland at the forefront of AI innovation in education.

The government’s plan to improve AI accuracy in education from 67 per cent to 92 per cent resonates with Teacherbot’s ongoing development efforts. We are constantly updating the platform with new technology advancements to provide more accurate and helpful tools.

And it’s exactly this type of government support that is needed for AI companies to build tools that help teachers solve some of the fundamental problems in the classroom.

We have a situation in the UK where 78 per cent of teachers report stress, 75 per report spending too much time on non-teaching tasks and, on average, teachers work 50 per cent more hours than they’re compensated for, leading to burnout and career dissatisfaction.

Since moving out of the classroom and into tech, I can see more clearly than ever that AI has the potential to greatly alleviate some of these issues for teachers.

Data shows that teachers using Teacherbot save an average of 10 hours per week on administrative tasks. This time can be reinvested into direct student interaction and more personalised teaching approaches.

The potential benefits of AI in education extend beyond just saving time. These technologies can potentially help address long-standing challenges in the education system, such as providing more differentiated support, helping to develop plans for children with additional support needs and even helping to close the attainment gap.

However, the integration of AI in schools also raises important questions about data privacy, the changing role of teachers, and ensuring equitable access to these technologies across all schools, regardless of their resources or geographic location.

As the UK embarks on this AI-driven educational transformation, collaboration between EdTech innovators like Teacherbot and policymakers will be crucial. The ongoing dialogue facilitated by platforms like Futurescot will play a vital role in shaping an AI-enhanced education system that serves the best interests of students, teachers, and society as a whole.

The success of companies like ours also highlights the potential for Scotland to become a hub for EdTech innovation. With its strong education system, growing tech sector, and supportive government policies, Scotland is well-positioned to lead in this emerging field.

Looking ahead, Teacherbot is positioned to play a significant role in the UK’s evolving EdTech landscape. The company is currently in discussions with several local education authorities to pilot expanded AI integration in line with the government’s initiative.

The government’s timely investment marks a significant step forward in the integration of AI in education. As this field continues to evolve, it will be crucial to ensure that AI remains a tool to enhance, not replace, the invaluable role of teachers in nurturing the next generation.