This year, amongst the sea of VR headsets and sleek new hardware, one topic dominated every conversation at Bett: The Department for Education’s (DfE) updated AI guidance.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s keynote echoed what we’ve all been feeling – that AI could be the most significant shift in learning since the printing press. However, with that potential comes a new, rigorous set of safety standards that every school and trust leader needs to have on their radar right now.
If you missed the announcement, here is my take on what the new standards mean for your digital strategy this year.
-
AI needs robust safeguarding
As well as the expected requirement to filter inappropriate AI generated content, there’s a heavy focus on mental health and learner distress. Where AI tools are used for personalised learning, as a digital assistant, as an aid to research and writing or for engagement and interaction with other learners, then these should detect emotional cues and include appropriate tiered response pathways.
-
The ‘Human-in-the-loop’ mandate
A major theme at Bett this year was ‘Learning Without Limits’ but the DfE has drawn a firm line: AI must not replace human interaction. This is to prevent learners – particularly those with SEND – from forming ‘unhealthy levels of trust’ with a machine.
-
Ending the ‘wild west’ of unchecked AI procurement
The burden of safety in AI isn’t just on the schools, but on us – the EdTech developers. This means a clear risk assessment around safeguarding, design ethics, teacher control, data security and commercials.
How are we walking the path with you?
The ‘novelty era’ of AI is officially over. We are now in an era of system-wide integration. At RM Technology, we aren’t just EdTech providers, we are part of the education ecosystem and as we digest these new standards, our focus is on advocacy and alignment. We want to make sure we are supporting the DfE’s vision and will ensure we work closely with our partner schools and trusts to ensure that AI remains a force for good without compromising the safety or the ‘humanity’ of the classroom.
Our team can help you audit your current tools against the new DfE standards – contact us now.
