David Edwards at UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week 2024

Summary

David Edwards of Education International discusses the importance of the AI competency framework for teachers, emphasizing the need for equitable access to professional development. He highlights the risk of AI replacing teachers in underserved areas, stressing the necessity of teachers' professional autonomy and the ethical considerations of AI in education. Edwards calls for a rights-based approach to ensure teachers' and students' human rights are respected.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 Education International represents over 30 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries, led by David Edwards since 2018.
• 📉 There is a global shortage of 44 million teachers, highlighting the urgent need to address this gap to achieve the SDG4 goal of providing every student with a well-qualified and supported teacher.
• 🧑‍💻 The AI competency framework is seen as a tool to empower teachers, but there are concerns about equity, particularly that AI could widen the gap between students with access to well-trained teachers and those without.
• 📚 Teachers need professional autonomy, time, tools, and trust to make decisions that benefit their students, moving away from scripted lessons and cut scores.
• 🌍 Education International emphasizes the importance of equity in AI's implementation, ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to well-trained teachers.
• ⚖️ Teachers' rights are human rights, and students' rights to quality education must be respected. This is crucial in conflict-affected areas where teachers face significant challenges.
• 🏫 AI will not solve the physical infrastructure challenges, such as building schools, and governments still need to prioritize these investments.
• 🤖 Teachers and teachers' organizations are actively researching and experimenting with AI's potential in education, focusing on ethical concerns, data privacy, and reducing administrative burdens.
• 💬 Teachers must remain central to discussions on AI and education policy, ensuring decisions are evidence-based rather than driven by financial interests.
• 🛠️ A competency framework for policymakers might be necessary to ensure they make informed decisions that truly benefit educators and students.

Q & A

Who is David Edwards, and what organization does he represent?

David Edwards is the General Secretary of Education International, a global organization representing more than 30 million teachers and education support personnel across 178 countries.

What is Education International's perspective on the impact of the AI competency framework?

Education International views the AI competency framework as a tool to empower teachers, emphasizing the importance of human teachers in education. They support the framework's focus on providing professional development opportunities to enhance teachers' pedagogical skills, ensuring equity in education.

How does Education International view the teacher shortage, and what impact does it have on the implementation of AI in education?

Education International acknowledges a global shortage of 44 million teachers, which impacts the implementation of AI. The organization is concerned that AI might be used to replace teachers in underfunded areas, creating further inequities where wealthier students receive human instruction, while poorer students rely on AI-driven education.

What concerns does David Edwards raise about the use of AI in education?

David Edwards expresses concerns about AI potentially being used as a cost-saving measure for disadvantaged students, while wealthier students receive higher-quality, teacher-led instruction. He also highlights the need to address ethical issues such as data privacy and ensuring teachers are part of the decision-making process around AI use.

What does David Edwards mean by 'enabling conditions' for teachers in the context of AI implementation?

Edwards emphasizes the importance of giving teachers time, tools, trust, and space to experiment with AI, and to make decisions that meet students' needs. He calls for an environment where teachers have professional autonomy and are not constrained by rigid scripts or performance metrics.

What role does professional autonomy play in the successful implementation of AI in education, according to Edwards?

Edwards believes professional autonomy is crucial for teachers to effectively use AI in their classrooms. Teachers need the discretion to adapt AI tools to their students' needs, rather than being forced to follow standardized programs.

What are the key points of concern regarding equity and AI in education?

Edwards highlights that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities if it is primarily used to serve underprivileged students while wealthier students benefit from more personalized, teacher-led instruction. He stresses the need to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.

How does Education International propose to involve teachers in AI development and decision-making?

Education International advocates for teachers to be actively involved in the development and implementation of AI tools through continuous professional development, peer collaboration, and organized research efforts. Teachers’ input should guide AI’s role in education based on evidence rather than financial incentives.

What global challenges do teachers face, as mentioned by Edwards, that could impact AI's effectiveness in education?

Edwards points out that many teachers work in difficult environments, such as conflict zones or underfunded schools, where they may face large class sizes, long commutes, unpaid wages, and lack of resources. These challenges could hinder the effective implementation of AI.

What future suggestions does David Edwards make for improving global education policy in relation to AI?

Edwards suggests that policymakers need a competency framework of their own, as effective AI implementation requires better-informed policies. He stresses that governments still have a crucial role in funding and building schools, which AI cannot replace.