The use of artificial intelligence will be rolled out across eight schools in WA as part of a new pilot program to reduce administration workloads for teachers.
The use of artificial intelligence will be rolled out across eight schools in Western Australia as part of a new pilot program to reduce administration workloads for teachers.
The state and federal governments have invested $4.7 million in an AI pilot program designed to reduce admin work, such as drafting lessons plans or suggesting learning activities, to enable teachers to spend more time in the classroom.
Four private and four public schools around Perth will be involved in the pilot being delivered by the Department of Education in partnership with Catholic Education WA, the Association of Independent Schools WA, and the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.
The AI initiative was informed through consultation with teachers, principals and deputies, school support staff, peak bodies and unions, according to the governments. The AI tool will create the lessons plans or activities based on and aligned with the national curriculum.
The use of AI in schools has been a hotly contested topic, particularly around the use of the emerging technology by students. Some tech industry leaders have made a case for using and teaching AI in schools.
The use of ChatGBT was previously banned for public school teachers (since lifted), although the ban remains in place for students attending public schools across the state. Catholic Education WA has left the decision up to indiciual a principals.
In a statement today, Education Minister Tony Buti said “we want our teachers to be teaching our kids”.
"To do this, unnecessary administrative burdens must be reduced, and we hope this new pilot program can support our teachers and ease their workload,” he said.
"We are determined to create the right conditions for school staff to get on with their jobs of providing a great education."
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said teaching was the most important job in the world, and the idea that teachers clocked on at 9am and knock off at 3pm was “rubbish”.
“AI will never replace a great teacher, but it can help cut down the time they spend doing admin so they can spend more time in the classroom,” he said.
“That’s why the Albanese government is investing thirty million dollars in the Workload Reduction Fund, so they can maximise their time with students.”
The federal funding will be matched with co-investment from the state government. The private sector will contribute $300,000 towards the pilot, according to the statement.
The Perth schools set be involved in the AI pilot:
- Harrisdale Primary School
- Joseph Banks Secondary College
- Lesmurdie Primary School
- School of Isolated and Distance Education
- Emmanuel Catholic College
- Ursula Frayne Catholic College
- Carey Baptist College
- St James Anglican School
