Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education: Harnessing the Opportunities

On Thursday 25 July the Queensland Chapter hosted our annual Pecha Kucha-style event, featuring an impressive line-up of presenters who tackled the topic "AI and the Future of Education: Harnessing the Opportunities." The format required each speaker to convey their ideas using only 20 slides, with each slide displayed for just 20 seconds, creating a fast-paced and dynamic presentation style for the audience of over 60 attendees.

The event delved into the impact of AI on the future of education, exploring both current implementations and emerging trends in AI within learning environments. AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of work and administrative tasks, and its influence on education promises to reshape possibilities for enhancing human-centric learning experiences. The goal is to leverage AI to enhance the quality and equity of education, improving social impact and bridging physical and digital learning spheres.

Kate Merrick, Director of Urbis, kicked off the event with a presentation on the changing nature of work and global innovation trends influencing our cities and economies. She highlighted the importance of an adaptive workforce in the future, particularly the multigenerational nature of workplaces and the varying levels of AI proficiency required.

Dr. Rian Roux, Pathways Lecturer at USQ, and Emily Scott, Director of Teaching Innovation at The Glennie School, shared insights from their collaborative project, "A Teacher’s Guide to Academic Integrity and Generative Artificial Intelligence." They emphasised the necessity for educators to understand AI as more than just a tool for learning and editing, raising the question of whether current teaching practices are still fit for purpose in secondary education.

Julia Spice, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, referenced the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools, stressing the importance of ethical use and personal integrity. She called for educators to focus on promoting social well-being, equity, and fairness while maintaining high standards of privacy, security, and safety.

Dr. Lutza Ireland, a board member of the Neurodiversity Hub and contributor to Education QLD's All Types of Minds program, discussed the significant work done by autistic researchers in AI and accessibility. Craig Smith, Manager of Innovation and Research at Positive Partnerships, and Ross Rayburn, Director of Engagement and Growth at Future Skills Organisation, highlighted the integral role of AI in all areas of learning and the professional development needed for teachers to prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.

Tara Jacobson, Co-Founder of the Groei Foundation, focused on using AI to assess the process of learning, challenging traditional notions of cheating and academic integrity. David Beard from Ariel Care discussed how AI has transformed human connection, support, and safety, particularly in high-care situations where digital communication has improved service delivery for patients.

The event featured a host of incredible speakers who underscored the potential for AI to revolutionise both work and learning environments. However, the integration of AI into education presents significant challenges. Ensuring the ethical use of AI, maintaining academic integrity, and addressing concerns about privacy, security, and safety are paramount.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, educators must navigate this evolving landscape with a focus on human-centric design. Critical and collaborative work, with humans at the centre, will be essential as workplaces strive for streamlined and productive opportunities for AI integration. Educators need to be at the forefront, searching for ways to support critical and ethical navigation of AI platforms, preparing students for the future of learning and work.

Article by: Timothy Barraud, Qld Chapter Chair
Photographs by: Derek Bartels