AI in Education Trends 2024: Adoption of AI tools across schools & Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve, its integration into educational settings presents exciting opportunities and significant challenges. For schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), adopting these AI tools can lead to more efficient operations and enriched learning experiences.

However, the implementation of AI tools in education requires careful planning and consideration. This blog outlines a comprehensive set of procedures for adopting AI tools across schools and MATs, ensuring technologies are used responsibly and effectively. By following these steps, educators can maximise the benefits of AI while maintaining high ethical standards and fostering critical thinking skills among students.

Technology mustn't be adopted for its own sake. Students must always be at the centre of the adoption process. Follow these procedures within the context of your setting to ensure the chosen technology aligns with your educational goals and supports student learning.

Procedures to Follow for the Adoption of AI tools Across Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)

These procedures are broken down into three phases: identifying and evaluating AI technology, testing and trialling, and embedding the technology across all schools.

Identify & Evaluate the AI Technology

When you identify a specific need, follow these steps to find the right technology:

• Identify Goals: Determine the specific educational goals that the AI tool will help achieve, such as improving student engagement, enhancing personalised learning, or reducing admin workload.
• Evaluate Current Resources: Assess the existing resources, technological infrastructure and capabilities to support the integration of a new AI technology.
• Set Outcomes: Clearly define the objectives and expected outcomes of the chosen tool.
• Create a Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for the testing and implementation of the tool across schools and MATs.
• Monitor Compliance: Ensure the tool complies with your institution's ethical policies and AI guidelines.

Testing/Trialing the Identified AI Technology

• Start Small: Implement pilot programs in selected schools or classes to test the effectiveness of the tool.
• Educate Stakeholders: Provide training sessions for teachers and students, on the purpose of trialling the AI tool.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for educators and students to provide feedback on the tool and its impact on learning.
• Collect Data: Gather data on the performance and impact of the tool during the pilot phase.
• Assess usefulness: Analyse the data to assess the success of the pilot programs and identify areas for improvement. Use this information to assess the usefulness of the technology within your setting.

Adopting & Embedding the Selected AI Technology

• Refine Strategies: Use insights from pilot programs to refine implementation strategies and address any challenges.
• Expand Adoption: Gradually scale the implementation of the tool across more schools within the MAT.
• Training Programs: Organise regular training sessions for educators on how to effectively integrate the tool into their teaching practices.
• Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the AI tool and its impact on educational outcomes.
• Monitor Compliance: Continuously address data privacy, bias, and intellectual property concerns through training and clear guidelines.

By following these structured procedures, schools and MATs can navigate the complexities of AI adoption effectively, creating a learning environment where the benefits of these technologies are maximised to enhance the educational experiences of all students.

For further reading:

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/how-weve-used-ai-to-reduce-teacher-workloads/

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b8cd41b5cb6e000d8bb74e/DfE_GenAI_in_education_-_Educator_and_expert_views_report.pdf

https://www.orielsquare.co.uk/ai-in-education-empowering-teachers-and-schools-through-enhanced-educational-content/

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/how-trusts-can-support-schools-to-adopt-ai-safely/

‍