Education experts were able to gain “valuable insight” into the benefits of digital technology and artificial intelligence at the Northeast Conference.
The conference was held as a collaboration between the ALP Institute, the training arm of the County Durham-based Advanced Learning Partnership Education Trust, and Durham University.
The key message was that the education sector needs to adopt a more considered and comprehensive approach to the use of AI to maximize the benefits for teachers and learners.
Catherine Haydn, Director of the ALP Institute, said: “This was our first conference to focus on digital technology and AI, and provided our colleagues and external participants with valuable insight into the benefits that can be gained by adopting sound, secure and informed strategies.”
The conference, held at Whitworth Park Academy, was attended by representatives from secondary and primary education.
The keynote speakers were two experts from Durham University, Jake Bardis and Christina Costa.
Digital Society and Education Professor Christina focused on digital inclusion in education, and Jake posed the question: “What’s next? The future of AI in education.”
Jake said most of the schools he visits lack a coherent plan for the use of AI, and teachers often experiment without training or guidance.
“ALP is on the right path by partnering with Durham University on a more considered approach that will save time, reduce workload and have a positive impact on young people’s education,” he said.
“Ultimately, it’s about allowing teachers to focus on what’s really important and why they entered the profession in the first place.”
“We need to use AI not only functionally, but in a healthy way, creating positive habits that bring real benefits,” Christina said.
“It’s not just about the technology, it’s how we use it, and its benefits impact not only education but also our daily lives and well-being.
“It’s not just a tool to turn on and off, it’s part of our lives.
“Of course, there are always dangers along the road, but we need a license to participate to create learning opportunities to participate in digital spaces in safe and more meaningful ways.
“When you teach your child to cross the road, you hold their hand and tell them to look both ways, but at some stage they need to let go and trust the learning experience.
“These young people are the future drivers of our digital landscape, but their responsibilities must be known to keep them safe and sound.”
The workshop was facilitated by Jake and Christina, as well as Lee Stott, Digital Strategy Lead at ALP, and Dom Webber, AI Lead at Hammerknot Academy in Darlington.
