Terms of reference: Ofsted research on artificial intelligence in education
Published 10 December 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-research-on-artificial-intelligence-in-education-terms-of-reference/terms-of-reference-independent-review-of-artificial-intelligence-in-education
Introduction
Ofsted are carrying out research on artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
This research will investigate how schools and further education (FE) colleges are using AI to support teaching and learning and to manage administrative systems and processes. We will look at the role leaders are playing in embedding AI and managing risks associated with AI use.
We will collect data from schools and FE colleges as well as from academic literature and expert interviews. This will allow us to see how AI is already used and help us consider its potential uses and benefits.
What the research will do
The research will:
- inform relevant stakeholders, including government policymakers and providers, about the benefits and challenges of AI in education
- identify training and guidance needed for inspectors to increase their knowledge of AI and understand how it is being used
- share how schools and FE colleges are using AI in education including their governance of AI, and how providers are managing the risks around its use
The questions we will ask
- How are schools and colleges using AI in administrative processes and to support teaching and learning?
- What role do leaders play in embedding the use of AI?
- How have schools and colleges approached introducing and using AI, including the challenges, barriers, successes and benefits?
- How are schools and colleges monitoring the intended and unintended impacts of AI?
- How are schools and colleges governing the use of AI and managing the risks to staff, pupils and learners?
Our approach
To answer these research questions, we will collect the following sources of data:
Background literature:
- rapid evidence review of the literature on managing risk, governance of AI, and AI use in education
- expert conversations with international inspectorates and academics with knowledge of AI in education
Evidence collection in schools and colleges:
- a sample of up to 20 schools and FE colleges selected because they are early adopters of AI
- interviews with leaders responsible for developing and implementing AI
We will collect evidence in spring 2025 and aim to publish the findings of this research in summer 2025. This report will include case studies illustrating the benefits and challenges of using AI in education settings.
For further information about the project, please contact [email protected].