Schools set boundaries as AI reaches the classroom

For many years, and despite the hype, “artificial intelligence” was neither: behind the “artificial” digital façade there was frequently tight human control; while the “intelligence” offered was often lacking in inspiration or wisdom.

But, in recent months, AI has proved more fundamentally disruptive. ChatGPT, the chatbot that is the most high-profile example of generative AI, is becoming embedded in education and the world of work, alike. While teachers debate its applications and implications, students are already extensively experimenting; while executives are rushing to understand it, employees are deploying it widely.

Some schools and universities have sought to ban or tightly restrict GenAI while others have embraced it, from essay preparation to final exams. Many have established boundaries, including transparency in where and how it is used. But all recognise its potential and the pragmatic reality of preparing students for a world in which its applications are becoming widespread.

This special report, which is part of the FT’s free access programme for schools, explores multiple aspects of AI through articles and interactive features: how the technology works; how it is being applied in education and work around the world; and what are the implications for the next generation as they prepare for their future careers.

Free FT for schools

The Financial Times offers free online subscriptions to pre-college students aged 16-19, their teachers and upper secondary/high schools around the world.

Click here to check if your school is registered for free access, to sign up and to request an individual FT account

We examine AI in schools, highlighting the dangers — including dilution of independent critical thinking and the “hallucination” of falsehoods — but also its beneficial use cases. These can be found in learning, lesson preparation, assessment and support — helping to ease drudgery, and give teachers more time to focus on the students who most need their help.

We hear from young people, directly, through an innovative online discussion forum which used AI to solicit, translate and summarise their insights. They see the value of the technology but are also well aware of its shortfalls and downsides, including “hallucination”, as well as the threat to personal privacy and its significant carbon footprint.

We also analyse how AI is transforming the world of work, with implications for what and how students study and which career choices they make as jobs are overhauled. For example, the technology is already changing the nature of many higher-skilled white-collar jobs, in insurance, investment, banking, law, and consulting. It is also widespread in entertainment, given the mathematical relations underlying music.

With few jobs safe from disruption, one need is clear: frequent reskilling will be required to adapt to the changing demands of the workplace, and the pace of technology-assisted change.

To help students grasp the challenge, we have an interactive quiz to test understanding, and a reading list of FT articles about AI selected by teachers to build knowledge and enrich the curriculum in subjects from economics to philosophy. These are accompanied by classroom discussion points drawn from our free access programme.