AI in Education

AI can perform tasks that typically require human input, such as learning, reasoning, and creative thinking. While commonly found in platforms like Netflix or Amazon, AI is increasingly being used in educational settings to assist both students and teachers.

RileyBot, developed by Caterham School, is a learning tool designed to help students from ages 4 to 18. Unlike other AI bots, RileyBot doesn't do the work for students but guides them through their learning. It tailors its responses based on a student's age, stage, and any special educational needs, providing personalized support. Students can use RileyBot to get assistance at their own pace, ask questions repeatedly, and receive feedback for revision and homework. By encouraging self-directed learning, RileyBot has been shown to increase student confidence and independent study skills, as demonstrated by a 16% increase in "pupil self-efficacy." RileyBot is designed with student safeguarding in mind. Teachers receive alerts about potential concerns based on students' interactions, which can trigger helpful guidance and communication with trusted adults. RileyBot also assists teachers by managing students' independent queries, allowing teachers to focus on students who need more direct support and can help teachers generate lesson plans and ideas, making lesson preparation faster and more effective.

AI can be seen as a supportive tool that frees teachers from administrative burdens like grading, allowing them to focus on creative lesson delivery and building stronger connections with their students. AI in classrooms may eventually serve as a blend of interactive apps, background analytics, and even physical presence. If applied properly, AI can help level the playing field, offering students in various schools access to more personalized, high-quality educational experiences.

 Schools are encouraged to teach students how to use AI safely and responsibly. Caterham’s AI policy outlines transparency, where students and schools communicate openly about AI use, and data is handled responsibly. The key takeaway is that AI in education can be used to support teachers and students, enhancing the learning experience without replacing human interaction, creativity, and oversight.