The rise of AI has already impacted many industries, from the digital sector to manufacturing. 

As conversations around EdTech and digital technology in the classroom become more prevalent across the country, there are concerns that AI will replace teachers and revolutionise education as we know it. 

Do any of these concerns have merit? Can AI replace teachers? 

To answer this question, let’s review the current role of AI tools across our Trust, and see how their emerging role in schools can help us provide a better experience to both pupils and teachers. 

How teachers are using AI in the classroom 

Educators are increasingly turning to AI tools to automate the most repetitive aspects of their work. 

Forbes notes that in the UK, a growing number of teachers is employing generative AI as a lesson planning, content creation and translation tool. 

For example, generative AI can also be used to create reading materials, images, games, quizzes, or checklists on a chosen topic. This can supply busy teachers with a wealth of additional materials, with little time investment. 

Some teachers report using AI tools for translating and language learning, helping them communicate better with multi-lingual classes. 

Does this mean that AI can replace teachers? 

As generative AI is not yet infallible, and will likely never be, there are obvious downfalls to educators relying solely on this emerging technology. 

Schools have the responsibility to educate teachers on how to use AI effectively, making sure that all AI-generated results are fact-checked and compared to mainstream resources. 

AI won’t be replacing teachers anytime soon – what is happening, however, is a feat of collaboration between technology and the human mind. 

While these tools can save busy educators plenty of time, they will never be able to perform complex tasks that only humans can do, such as blending their knowledge and competencies with emotional skills. 

Any teacher will tell you that their job involves much more than knowing and imparting information. Teaching is about knowing how to relate to students, empathise with them, and tailor lessons to each child’s specific needs. 

AI has immense potential to transform education, and here at LEO Academy Trust, we are doing our bit to test it out! 

How is LEO using AI in the classroom? 

Our approach to using AI in the classroom is rooted in collaboration. 

Our schools’ Heads of Tech run an AI Working Party throughout the year, designed to share best practice across the Trust and discuss the pros and cons of AI as a class tool. Each week, our educators give detailed reports on how AI has been used in the classroom, what worked, and what didn’t. 

The biggest pedagogical takeaway from the Trust's AI Working Parties has been the tremendous increase in efficiency when creating and adapting learning materials. 

Our teachers have found that AI can be used collaboratively to save time on miscellaneous writing tasks, actively timing how much time can be saved by using Google Gemini for writing blogs and creating timetables for special events.  

Tasks like developing WAGOLLs, which once took considerable time, can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time with AI tools. This allows us to create multiple versions tailored to different learning needs, ensuring all students have access to suitable models and can work more independently. 

Now, teachers are empowered to focus on providing personalised instruction and differentiated support, leading to better student outcomes. This is fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the Trust, as teachers explore new ways to create engaging and accessible learning experiences for all students. 

But this is just the start of the benefits we have found so far... 

Image generation 

AI image generation tools can ignite creativity and imagination, providing children with a unique platform to visualise and express their ideas. 

The ability to personalise learning experiences by generating images that align with individual interests can boost their engagement and understanding of various topics, while the process of experimenting with prompts and refining language to achieve desired outcomes fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

Our teachers have been using image generation tools like Canva Magic Studio to generate images and avatars for lessons, involving children in creating prompts and seeing their ideas come to life. We also use Sandbox AR, an AI-powered app, to create AR worlds that children can explore. 

These tools are fun, functional, and completely safe for children to use! 

Accessibility 

The use of AI for accessibility, particularly for students with SEND, has been transformative in promoting independence and unlocking children’s potential. 

As part of our approach to accessibility in the classroom, we use the same educational technology tools for all children, so no child will ever feel marginalised because of their accessibility needs. 

By providing tailored AI tools, like word prediction in Read&Write and speech to text, we are empowering students to take greater ownership of their learning. These tools act as supportive companions, offering on-demand assistance and reducing reliance on the teacher for routine tasks. This shift not only fosters self-confidence but also allows teachers to provide more focused and individualised support to all students. 

AI is not just about convenience; it's directly impacting learning outcomes! 

Students can now engage with content at their own pace, receive real-time feedback, and access tailored support, leading to improved understanding and greater academic success. The use of AI perfectly complements LEO's PedTech approach, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where technology is harnessed to empower every student to thrive. 

Blank page syndrome 

Our teachers have also found that generative AI tools like Google Gemini are helpful for combating ‘blank page syndrome’: the moment when a blank page seems to completely halt our creativity and ideas. 

Inputting a prompt into a generative AI tool can spark inspiration and help teachers get started on their writing tasks, whether it’s a newsletter article or a lesson plan for an intervention. 

A collaborative future 

In the future, AI will mostly complement rather than replace teachers, helping them save time on menial tasks and improving accessibility for all. 

Through our AI Working Party, we are doing our part to research and test out the benefits and limitations of AI in the classroom.  

We believe that AI is freeing up time to be better teachers and leaders, and that there will always be uniquely human skills that AI won’t be able to replicate. 

Here at LEO Academy Trust, we believe that AI is nothing to be feared but a powerful tool that, when used critically and effectively, can and will help us improve outcomes. You can learn more about AI in the classroom and PedTech at one of our upcoming Digital Discovery Days, giving you the opportunity to spend an immersive day in our classrooms and learn all about our approach to digital technology!