The Future of education

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Welcome to season 2 of the JF podcast! In the debut episode, I had the opportunity to chat with Dom Jones, the Head of Classics at KES. Nestled in the hustle and bustle of a typical school day, we found ourselves across from each other at a narrow desk in CHM4. Despite the ticking clock and limited space, we embarked on an enriching discussion about the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational landscape, specifically focusing on the technological revolution it spurred.

Dom and I explored the shift towards remote learning and the newfound reliance on digital tools like Google Classroom. The pandemic made us realise the irreplaceable significance of face-to-face interactions, debunking the notion that teachers could be entirely supplanted by AI or technology. We also noted the tactical pivot from PowerPoint presentations to PDFs and direct teaching methods, underscoring the crucial need for accessible, shareable learning resources in a remote learning setup.

As Dom candidly admitted, the initial overwhelm that teachers faced gave way to opportunities to embrace innovative teaching methodologies. He found Google Classroom particularly helpful in organising and managing student data more efficiently. However, he urged a sensible approach to technology, warning against an over-reliance and distinguishing between what genuinely enhances teaching and what serves as mere distraction.

A central point in our conversation was the way the pandemic disrupted established teaching norms, compelling educators to adapt, innovate, and step out of their comfort zones. It pushed us to become more conscientious and effective in our roles. The discussion also touched upon how this disruption has potentially primed the educational sector for further technological integration.

In the latter part of our conversation, we explored the role of AI, specifically GPT, in education. I pointed out the gradual integration of GPT into everyday use and its potential benefits. Dom, offering a teacher's perspective, shared his thoughts on potential issues like plagiarism and the risk of students becoming less skilled without internet assistance. Yet, he also saw enormous potential for teachers, particularly in terms of easing the marking load and improving resource preparation.

We also deliberated on the potential of GPT in creating model answers for exam questions and generating multiple-choice questions, thus freeing up valuable time for teachers. We acknowledged that while AI might not replicate human feedback, if employed wisely, it could enhance the feedback process.

Towards the end of our chat, we considered potential data privacy issues related to AI use and pondered if the information shared with an AI truly remains confidential. As I had to rush off to my next class, we wrapped up our discussion, with Dom and I both agreeing that it had been an insightful and enjoyable conversation.

Looking forward, the next episode will feature a deep dive into a critical and controversial issue in education: plagiarism. Joined by Tim Woolley, we will grapple with an age-old question: Is learning about the journey, or is it about the destination? Stay tuned for this discussion (me and Time don't talk about coffee this time), as we continue to navigate the complexities of education in the new age of AI. Until then, stay curious and keep learning!