International Day of Education – AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in Education in a World of Automation.

“The use of AI in education is raising fundamental questions about teacher agency and their capacity to determine how and when to make judicious use of this technology.”

~ Stefania Giannini (UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education)

As the world commemorates International Day of Education under the theme “AI and Education: Preserving the Human Agency in a World of Automation,” it is imperative to reflect on how education stakeholders can maintain their relevance in an era of rapid technological advancement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape various aspects of teaching and learning, offering opportunities for efficiency and personalized education. However, the role of teachers and school leaders remains irreplaceable, emphasizing the need for continuous capacity building to ensure that educators are equipped to navigate this evolving landscape.

Why Capacity Building Matters in the AI Era

The integration of AI in education raises concerns about the diminishing role of human educators. However, rather than replacing teachers, AI should be seen as a tool to enhance teaching and learning. According to The Six pillars for the digital transformation of education common framework published by UNESCO, the fourth pillar which focuses on capacity and culture recommends the provision of robust pre- and in-service training and continuous professional development opportunities for teachers and education leaders to effectively integrate technology into teaching, learning and administrative practices, fostering a culture of peer-learning, recognition and positive social impact. (UNESCO, 2024, p.18)

To effectively harness AI while preserving human agency, teachers and school leaders must be empowered with the necessary knowledge and skills. Capacity building ensures that educators:

• Understand AI and its implications: Teachers must be knowledgeable about AI applications in education, from personalized learning systems to automated assessment tools, ensuring they can leverage these technologies ethically and effectively. Teachers must be equipped with UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework for Teachers to address the gaps by defining the knowledge, skills, and values teachers must master in the age of AI.
• Develop critical digital literacy skills: As AI-driven tools become more prevalent, educators must discern credible digital content, protect student data privacy, and handle biases that come with AI algorithms.
• Creative pedagogical approaches: AI can provide data-driven insights to personalize instruction, but it is the teacher who fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning essential skills that AI cannot replace. It is important that teachers devise adaptive teaching strategies coupled with AI to improve learning outcomes.
• Foster human connection and ethical AI use: School leaders must champion responsible AI adoption while emphasizing the irreplaceable human aspects of teaching, such as mentorship, motivation, and ethical decision-making. Stakeholders must develop policies and frameworks to guide AI use.

Ghana Society for Education Technology’s (GSET) Work in Preserving the Human Agency in this Era of Automation.

Recognizing the need for educator capacity building, the Ghana Society for Education Technology (GSET) has been at the forefront of initiatives that upskill teachers and foster a vibrant professional learning community. GSET’s commitment to preserving the role of teachers in an AI-driven educational landscape is evident in its ongoing efforts to build a network of educators who are technologically adept and pedagogically innovative. Through partnerships with key stakeholders in the Ghanaian Education Sector, we continue the mission to position the teacher as facilitators of learning experiences through our:

·       Teacher Meetups:

GSET’s Teacher Meetups provide a platform for educators to engage with emerging educational technologies, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative teaching strategies. These gatherings ensure that teachers are not only aware of new AI-driven tools but also equipped with practical skills to integrate them effectively while maintaining their instructional autonomy and best practices of the principles of education.

·       Teacher Forums:

The Teacher Forums serve as a dynamic space for peer learning, discussions on ethical AI integration, and professional networking. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, these forums empower teachers to remain at the center of education, adapting their pedagogical approaches to meet the demands of the digital age while maintaining their agency in shaping student learning experiences.

In essence, as AI continues to revolutionize education, preserving human agency requires deliberate efforts to build the capacity of teachers and school leaders. The work of organizations like GSET highlights the importance of continuous professional development in ensuring that educators remain relevant and influential in shaping the future of learning. By embracing AI while upholding the irreplaceable human aspects of teaching, we can create a balanced education system where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the educator’s role.

On this International Day of Education, we call on organisations who share in our mission to partner with us to reaffirm our commitment to empowering teachers, fostering human connection, and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing, rather than diminishing, the human touch in education.

References:

UNESCO. (2024, January 24). International Day of Education. UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education

UNESCO. (2024). https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000391299.locale=en

UNESCO. (2024, September 6). AI competency framework for teachers. UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-competency-framework-teachers