AI is no silver bullet for education - especially when staff are left to fend for themselves

28 April 2025, 15:02

Artificial Intelligence in education is fast becoming a reality for workers.

The Government’s AI Opportunities Plan envisions its use to cut down the time staff spend lesson planning and marking.

But GMB members in schools – the forgotten army who feed, nurture and look after our children - are being left in the dark.

This is a change being done to, not with, them.

GMB has long campaigned against low pay and increasing workloads, for professional recognition and a better approach to SEND education.

AI is not a solution to these issues, nor something workers have asked for.

Nonetheless, AI use in education is growing; 17% of our respondents reporting that either they or a colleague have used generative AI (GenAI) tools at work.

These tools are not specifically designed for education or use with children. They are owned by private companies and operate in their interests.

A survey of more than 1,200 GMB members reveals they are uncertain GenAI can improve schools - most saw it as largely negative.

They are worried about increasing reliance on technology, the dehumanising of education and job security - as well as the loss of critical thinking and increased opportunities for cheating.

Responds also show the dichotomy in Government messaging; on the one hand Ministers call for stronger controls around mobile phone use for children and what they can access online, yet at the same time encourage use of GenAI technology in schools, with little evidence for its merit or suitability.

We cannot completely stop the flow of new technologies and GenAI into the education system; its use is not limited to staff, or the classroom.

Our survey showed 16 per cent of workers say children at their school are using AI.

What we can do is involve all school staff in its implementation and train these workers, now, rather than when it’s too late to act.

The vast majority of school support staff (84%) haven’t received training on the Department for Education’s current standards for digital infrastructure and technology in schools and colleges.

This has to change, so school support staff are equipped to work with any new technology.

Our educators need broader education on AI, including how plagiarism can be prevented and detected, and how we can avoid encouraging overreliance on technology.

Crucially, we cannot teach children how to best use AI and technology if school staff don’t understand the technology and aren’t aware of best practice themselves.

________________

Annie Lawson-Foley is a member of GMB Union.

LBC Opinion provides a platform for diverse opinions on current affairs and matters of public interest.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official LBC position.

To contact us email views@lbc.co.uk