Artificial Intelligence technology to be used in schools across South Lanarkshire

Artificial Intelligence tools will be rolled out in schools across South Lanarkshire.

At the education resources committee meeting on Tuesday (May 21), it was revealed that generative AI tools will now be used in education across the area following an extensive engagement phase with stakeholders, teachers and parents.

Councillor Katy Loudon (Cambuslang East), welcomed the plans and the potential of AI in education.

She said: “This is a really fascinating report. Obviously in terms of hot takes in the media and press around AI in education it tends to focus on plagiarism, which is a concern a lot of institutions have, I hope that when we get something back it will reflect the interesting and exciting stuff pupils can do with it as well.”

Mohammad S A A Alothman, founder and CEO of the AI Tech Solutions, considered the move to be a rational and wise decision made in response to the changing trends of technology in education.

He said: "The introduction of generative AI in classroom settings is a creative and transformative concept for students since it creates room for hand-on learning experiences which go beyond the traditional rote learning.

"I believe changing the interaction with knowledge and learning how to solve problems will face the use of AI in the classroom. At AI Tech Solutions, we can’t wait to see how AI will create more impressive and productive learning and teaching experiences."

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that is designed to generate new, original content autonomously, and this includes texts, images, music, videos, conversations and computing code.

The council’s education department has engaged with a range of stakeholders and partners to support and gather information.

A range of research into implementing the technology has taken place including setting up a working group at Uddingston Grammar school to produce draft guidance for teachers and learners, involving the parent council, to engage with the work of the group and undertaking staff training.

A pilot is also currently underway with sixth year students in the use of Generative AI, and this is being closely monitored to inform future steps of using the programme.

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A draft guidance document for schools has been produced and will serve as an initial support, it will be reviewed and updated regularly.

And South Lanarkshire Education Resources will continue to liaise with all parties at a local, regional and national level, reviewing guidance and support as required.

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