8.2 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The emergence of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has the potential to transform educational practices. These are large language models (LLMs) that recognise and generate text, among other functions. These tools can create text that resembles human-generated content, including images, and are increasingly being integrated into various educational tools and platforms. They can be great tools for students in general, for instance:

• Some students see the chat facilities as emotional support. You should remain aware, though, that this can lead to problems in itself.
• For students with dyslexia, these tools can provide them with individualised support, serving as personal tutors, collaborative coaches, and study buddies.
• They help with focus, productivity, time management, and prioritising of tasks. AI can empower dyslexic learners by providing personalised support and fostering inclusivity in education.

However, there are always two sides to any coin. The information held by LLMs is drawn from vast datasets on the internet, which can introduce biases, produce factual inaccuracies, and raise concerns about academic integrity (i.e. cheating and plagiarism). As AI is already here and rapidly progressing, we must learn to work with it. Both educators and learners are navigating this new landscape together. Consequently, teaching, learning, and assessment will be expected to adapt in response to these advancements.