To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect students from the risks of artificial intelligence.
Answered on
7 June 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform society. The department will need to explore how AI can support teaching, as well as addressing its risks.
The department published a ‘Generative artificial intelligence in education’ policy paper which sets out our position on the use of generative AI in the education sector. The paper outlines the potential impact of generative AI on the education sector, including the opportunities for reducing teacher workload, risks to assessment and steps the education sector should take to protect its data, resources, staff and students. The paper is attached and can also be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education. On 8 May 2023, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, also addressed the Education World Forum on the benefits of embracing AI in education settings.
There are huge opportunities for AI as it becomes more sophisticated, but there are also challenges in how the higher education (HE) sector incorporates AI, particularly for teaching, learning and assessment.
Schools, colleges, and universities, as well as awarding organisations, need to continue to take reasonable steps where applicable to prevent malpractice, including malpractice involving the use of generative AI and other emerging technologies. Ultimately, it is a matter for the HE sector itself to determine how best to fully harness the potential benefits and to effectively mitigate the risks associated with AI.
The department will keep our programme of measures under review to ensure we identify the best ways to address the risks to and opportunities AI presents, including continuing to establish a strong evidence base for technology in education.