Tag: Education Policy

Rising Use of AI in Schools Comes With Big Downsides for Students

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A split image contrasting the perceived benefits and actual drawbacks of AI in education. On the left, "AI'S PROMISE" depicts a bright, modern classroom where students happily engage with holographic AI interfaces and a friendly AI avatar. On the right, "THE UNSEEN DOWNSIDES" shows a darker, more isolated classroom where students are encapsulated in individual AI pods, surrounded by icons representing "STUNTED CRITICAL THINKING," "SOCIAL ISOLATION," and "RELIANCE & PLAGIARISM," with an ominous alien-like AI figure looming in the background. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
While the integration of AI in schools holds significant promise for personalised learning, its rising use also comes with substantial, often unforeseen, downsides for students. This image starkly contrasts the idealised vision of AI in education with the potential negative realities, highlighting risks such as diminished critical thinking, increased social isolation, and an over-reliance that could foster academic dishonesty. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Education Week

Summary

A new report from the Center for Democracy and Technology warns that the rapid adoption of AI in schools is undermining students’ relationships, critical thinking and data privacy. In 2024–25, 85 % of teachers and 86 % of students used AI, yet fewer than half received any formal training. The report highlights emotional disconnection, weaker research skills and risks like data breaches and tech-fuelled bullying. While educators acknowledge AI’s benefits for efficiency and personalised learning, experts urge schools to prioritise teacher training, AI literacy, and ethical safeguards to prevent harm. Without adequate guidance, AI could deepen inequities rather than improve learning outcomes.

Key Points

  • AI use has surged across US classrooms, with 85 % of teachers and 86 % of students using it.
  • Students report weaker connections with teachers and peers due to AI use.
  • Teachers fear declines in students’ critical thinking and authenticity.
  • Less than half of teachers and students have received AI-related training.
  • Experts call for stronger AI literacy, ethics education and policy guardrails.

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URL

https://www.edweek.org/technology/rising-use-of-ai-in-schools-comes-with-big-downsides-for-students/2025/10

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

GenAI News

AI Literacy Is Just Digital and Media Literacy in Disguise

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In a modern library setting, a diverse group of four students and a female professor are gathered around a glowing, interactive table displaying "AI LITERACY: DIGITAL & MEDIA LITERACY." Overhead, a holographic overlay connects "DIGITAL LITERACY," "MEDIA LITERACY" (with news icons), and "AI LITERACY SKILLS" (with brain and circuit icons), illustrating the interconnectedness of these competencies. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
This image visually argues that AI literacy is not an entirely new concept but rather an evolution or “disguise” of existing digital and media literacy skills. It highlights the interconnectedness of understanding digital tools, critically evaluating information, and navigating algorithmic influences, suggesting that foundational literacies provide a strong basis for comprehending and engaging with artificial intelligence effectively. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Psychology Today

Summary

Diana E. Graber argues that “AI literacy” is not a new concept but a continuation of long-standing digital and media literacy principles. Triggered by the April 2025 executive order Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, the sudden focus on AI education highlights skills schools should have been teaching all along—critical thinking, ethical awareness, and responsible participation online. Graber outlines seven core areas where digital and media literacy underpin AI understanding, including misinformation, digital citizenship, privacy, and visual literacy. She warns that without these foundations, students face growing risks such as deepfake abuse, data exploitation, and online manipulation.

Key Points

  • AI literacy builds directly on digital and media literacy foundations.
  • An executive order has made AI education a US national priority.
  • Core literacies—critical thinking, ethics, and responsibility—are vital for safe AI use.
  • Key topics include misinformation, cyberbullying, privacy, and online safety.
  • The article urges sustained digital education rather than reactionary AI hype.

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URL

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/raising-humans-in-a-digital-world/202510/ai-literacy-is-just-digital-and-media-literacy-in

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

GenAI News

Artificial intelligence guidelines for teachers and students ‘notably absent’, report finds

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In a dimly lit, traditional lecture hall, a frustrated speaker stands at a podium addressing an audience. Behind him, a large screen prominently displays "AI GUIDELINES IN EDUCATION" with repeating red text emphasizing "NOTABLY ABSENT: GUIDELINES PENDING" and crossed-out sections for "Teacher Guidelines" and "Student Guidelines." A whiteboard to the side has a hand-drawn sad face next to "AI Policy?". Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
A recent report has highlighted a significant void in modern education: the “notable absence” of clear artificial intelligence guidelines for both teachers and students. This image captures the frustration and confusion surrounding this lack of direction, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive policies to navigate the integration of AI responsibly within academic settings. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Irish Examiner

Summary

A new report by ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) highlights a significant policy gap: Irish secondary schools largely lack up-to-date acceptable use policies (AUPs) that address AI. Among 51 large schools surveyed, only six had current policies, and none included detailed guidance on AI’s use in teaching or learning. The Department of Education says it’s finalising AI guidance to address risks, opportunities, and responsible use. The absence of clear, central policy leaves individual schools and teachers making ad hoc decisions.

Key Points

  • Only 6 of 51 schools had updated acceptable use policies that could construe AI governance.
  • AI-specific guidelines are “notably absent” in existing school policies.
  • Schools are left to decide individually how (or whether) to integrate AI in learning without shared framework.
  • The Department of Education expects to issue formal guidance imminently, supported by resources via the AI Hub and Oide TiE.
  • Policymaking lag is highlighted as a disconnect between fast technology change and slow institutional response.

Keywords

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URL

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41715942.html

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

GenAI News

AI and the future of education. Disruptions, dilemmas and directions

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Source

UNESCO

Summary

This UNESCO report provides policy guidance on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education systems worldwide. It stresses both the opportunities—such as personalised learning, enhanced efficiency, and expanded access—and the risks, including bias, privacy concerns, and the erosion of teacher and learner agency. The document frames AI as a powerful tool that can help address inequalities and support sustainable development, but only if implemented responsibly and inclusively.

Central to the report is the principle that AI in education must remain human-centred, promoting equity, transparency, and accountability. It highlights the importance of teacher empowerment, digital literacy, and robust governance frameworks. The guidance calls for capacity building at all levels, from policy to classroom practice, and for international cooperation to ensure that AI use aligns with ethical standards and local contexts. Ultimately, the report argues that AI should augment—not replace—human intelligence in education.

Key Points

  • AI offers opportunities for personalised learning and system efficiency.
  • Risks include bias, inequity, and privacy breaches if left unchecked.
  • AI in education must be guided by human-centred, ethical frameworks.
  • Teachers remain central; AI should support rather than replace them.
  • Digital literacy for learners and educators is essential.
  • Governance frameworks must ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Capacity building and training are critical for sustainable adoption.
  • AI should contribute to equity and inclusion, not exacerbate divides.
  • International collaboration is vital for responsible AI use in education.
  • AI’s role is to augment human intelligence, not supplant it.

Conclusion

UNESCO concludes that AI has the potential to transform education systems for the better, but only if adoption is deliberate, ethical, and values-driven. Policymakers must prioritise equity, inclusivity, and transparency while ensuring that human agency and the role of teachers remain central to education in the age of AI.

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URL

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-and-future-education-disruptions-dilemmas-and-directions

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5

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