AI in primary schools: empowering or alarming?

Is this a scary Terminator takeover, or something potentially positive and exciting? Will it benefit children’s learning or simply make a teacher’s life easier? Rest assured; robots aren't replacing teachers. AI is simply the next advanced tool that educators can harness to help children learn even better. 

Here are a few ways it is already being used in classrooms:

Boosting confidence with AI feedback 

AI tools can help to create assessments, quizzes and activities in the blink of an eye. These can help teachers quickly and effectively identify areas of strength but also things your child needs to work on to improve. Some AI tools can also provide effective feedback and respond to children’s answers. Picture your child's confidence soaring with tailored guidance, helping them grasp concepts quicker and avoid frustration.

Crafting personalised learning paths

Every child learns differently. AI can analyse your child's strengths and weaknesses, crafting personalised learning paths that cater to their individual needs. Think interactive games that adjust to their pace, or reading apps recommending books based on their favourite characters. Your child’s teacher still needs to be in the driving seat, but the potential for AI to help teachers provide bespoke learning for each child is astounding.

Enhancing creativity in the classroom

Teachers have always been able to inspire children with creative and exciting ways to present learning. Now, with AI in their teacher toolkit, they can take these experiences to a new level. Your child’s teacher can quickly craft resources, such as an interactive tale in which the characters react to your child’s choices.

For example, questions can be posed to book characters with the AI responding in real time, helping children to really get underneath the story and understand key aspects of the text in an engaging and entertaining way.

This would not only boost their English skills but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Best of all, these can be made specific to the topic or skill your child is working on. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure tailored to your child’s education.

Maximising teachers' time

Marking, lesson planning, admin tasks – the list goes on. A teacher’s day is never done. AI can help them to automate some of these time-consuming chores, freeing up teachers to focus on what they do best: fostering individual growth and building relationships with your child. Imagine teachers having more time to answer questions, celebrate achievements and make learning truly magical.

Parent concerns about AI in primary school  

As this new age dawns upon us, there are still many things that need to be considered...

• Ethical considerations like data privacy and ensuring fair AI algorithms are crucial
• Teacher training and support to integrate AI effectively
• Transparency about the AI algorithm and decision-making between schools and parents
• Concerns about over-reliance on technology.

These issues need to be at the forefront of the conversation as we continue to integrate AI technology into our day-to-day lives. Open discussions between schools and caregivers is paramount. 

However, like a well-told bedtime story, the potential of AI in primary schools is just beginning to unfold. With careful planning, responsible implementation and transparent communication and information, this emerging technology can become a powerful tool for unlocking the potential of every young learner, one exciting chapter at a time.

Matt Revill is a primary school headteacher with over 20 years experience of working in schools. He has worked in a range of settings and currently works within a multi-academy trust of 14 schools. In his free time, he enjoys reading, computing, holidaying and spending time with his family and friends. Matt has a son who is currently working his way through A-levels at college.