Developing VET with AI - OECD report

The OECD has published their report on VET and AI - Developing VET with AI.

It is good to see a VET focused report on AI. This is especially given the role of VET in preparing people for the workforce, where occupations are incorporating AI into work tasks.

The main principles underpinning the report are: Human-centred use; ensuring diversity and inclusiveness; maintaining accountability; being transparent in understanding how, when, and for what AI is used and its limitations; and the importance of data quality, security and protection.

Policy considerations following on the principles are introduced, and discussed. These include: establishing strategy with clear purpose and support; managing risks through human-centred approaches; balancing diverse perspectives while ensuring equal access to AI; co-creating guidelines and building capacity for AI use and VET development; and strengthening data infrastructures and governance. 

The second chapter details the potential of AI in VET. In particular, to address the unique context of VET; the complexities of VET with multiple stakeholders; and to use AI to support VET development. A comparative study is undertaken across mainly EU countries with Australia data being also included.

The third chapter provides current and emerging use case studies. Policies and curriculum revision are compared across mainly EU countries. Chapter 4 then discusses the barriers and risk of leveraging AI for VET. The last chapter spells out policy considerations.

Overall, a macro/meso approach, especially comparing policy approaches across many countries. There is always much to learn from how countries handle the challenges of rapid changes as they impact on important social provisions, of which education is one of the main sectors.