AI in education must put people first

In its submission to the Department for Education's consultation on generative AI, OCR and the wider Cambridge University Press & Assessment call on educators and the government to "harness generative AI, data science and online learning in a more human-centred way". 

The submission comes as Jill Duffy, OCR Chief Executive, writes in the Independent, on the future of technology and assessment. 

In her opinion piece which references the UK government consultation, Jill Duffy said: "Our exam and school systems, tech-savvy culture and wealth of experienced teachers mean we're ready for a pragmatic, evolutionary approach to technology in assessment." 

Enhancing and empowering

"That means pinpointing where technology can allow teachers and students to achieve more, rather than simply displacing some of their work," Duffy commented in the Independent. "We already see that outside of our schools, where AI helps Cambridge experts to deliver Linguaskill, offering adaptive testing and rapid exam results for those learning English as a foreign language. 

"We know where technology cannot match what people offer. AI cannot replace the teacher skilled in questioning to develop individual students' understanding; who can respond to pupils' well-being needs; or who can tell when a student is producing their own work using clues that no large language model will be trained to recognise."

We cannot put generative AI back in its box.

As the UK government consults on generative AI in education, Jill Duffy advises against being distracted by future technologies and their theoretical applications. "We know how to make existing technologies work for students. Schools need quality digital infrastructure; high-speed internet access with enough laptops and tablets to teach and test well.  

OCR, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, are building expertise in experimental technologies across its businesses and are excited about the potential for learners and educators alike. 

Duffy concluded: "We cannot put generative AI back in its box. We have to embrace the opportunities for education while being clear-sighted about the limits."

View OCR's submission to the Department for Education consultation on generative AI and education. A summary of OCR's response is also available. 

View Jill Duffy's opinion piece in the Independent on generative AI and exams.