AI leading schools - NZ Association for Research in Education event

 NZARE hosted a panel discussion on the challenges posed to educational leadership with the advent and rise of AI. 

The panel includes Associate Professor Kathryn MacCallum (University of Canterbury), Carolyn Stuart (Weaving Futures, Leadership Lab) and Tim Gander (Postgraduate Director of AcademyEX). The discussion is moderated by Miranda Makin and Stephen McConnchie. 

Notes taken:

Miranda Makin began with a welcome and karakia. Stephen introduced the topic and panellist. Each panellist then focused on one question leaders should be asking about AI in education.

Kathryn asked how do leaders balance the potential and challenge of AI.

Tim focused on the protection of data, and the ethics of AI.

Carolyn offered the need for safety rails to ensure AI is used safely.

Breakout session - to introduce and come up to the questions that are on top

Panellist then presented on how to ensure AI is inclusive of diverse learners, and cultural perspectives. What are the examples of good practice?

Kathryn shared the challenges inherent in bringing a form of technology that has been based on Westernised perspectives and ensure that it is used ethically with respect to indigenous knowledge.

Tim iterated that AI has been trained on eurocentric frameworks which drowns out other ways of thinking. Micro understanding of how Māori see and use AI (at marae, whanau level) is important. 

Carolyn added the concept that AI output should always be used as a first draft or prototype. Not an end product. 

Kathryn agreed that looking at what comes through AI must be critically evaluated. AI is not only culturally shaky but also constructs generalisations based on cultural biases. The AI products are often gendered/racist etc. as it draws from the unfiltered information digitally archived, which is now always PC. 

Carolyn stressed that senior leaders in education, must be involved in the decisions made about AI, not left to the IT department in the school! AI is different, it is not just a digital tool but has implications across educative processes. Tim agreed that we need to be careful what data is entered into AI tools. ChatGPT4o not only captures discussions, but also the context the conversation occurs in. Used the NSW trial as an example of how many unforeseen items will come up and the need to understand how AI comes about. 

Kathryn asked how indigenous knowledge is protected but it is difficult to do that when we do not what happens to the data once it goes into an AI tool. Clear directions on responsible use and policies 

Breakout occurred to discuss what the panellist have offered. 

The next question for panellist revolved around how AI changes the skills we value and should be developing in the future. Tim stressed the importance of making sure we stay true to ourselves. Not let Ai take over our voice but to maintain our humanity and voice. Also to maintain our individually so that there is a diversity of views, not just the generalised viewpoint which comes from AI.

Carolyn agreed that it is important to work out when and what to use AI with. Kathryn encouraged leaders to support kaiako and ākonga as the challenges for AI come about. There is a need to engage in the important aspects of education, not just skills but to also learn how to be curious, adaptable, creative. Important to understand the fundamentals of AI works, how is it trained, how does it work, etc.

Panellist finished with one piece of advise with regard to AI.

Carolyn advised to get going now and work out what AI means to you and your school NOW, don't delay. Kathryn encouraged everyone to play with AI tools, so that we are able to work out what it can do. Don;t leave it to others. Tim reiterated the need to stay human when we use AI. We should embrace our human qualities. 

Resources provided include the following: 

AI Blueprint for Aotearoa

AI in Education 2023 | He Rourou

An introduction to the role of AI... | THE EDUCATION HUB
Generative AI | Ministry of Education
AI and Education | Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor (pmcsa.ac.nz)
Crafting Successful Prompts | Grow Waitaha

Karakia closed the session.

Overall, interesting to see what is happening in schools. In most, teachers are using it to prepare resources etc. but not using it with learners - especially at the primary school level.