Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Australia opens draft schools AI framework for consultation

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

The next step in the development of a framework to guide the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in Australian schools is underway, with a draft now released for consultation.

State and Territory education ministers agreed in March to establish a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Taskforce to develop a draft framework for using AI in schools.

The draft framework was presented to ministers earlier this month, where it was agreed it would be released for feedback from teachers, parents, students and other stakeholders.

Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare says the outcomes from the consultation will support the development of the final Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools to ensure schools, teachers, and students enjoy the benefits of generative AI while safeguarding against potential risks.

“AI is not going away. Like the calculator or the internet, we need to learn how to grapple with this new technology,” said Minister Clare.

“There are lots of opportunities, but there are also challenges and risks.

“We need to make sure students use AI for good and get the marks they deserve and don’t use it to cheat, while also ensuring their privacy is protected.”

The framework was developed by a taskforce including representatives from all States and Territories and the Australian Government, as well as the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), and Education Services Australia (ESA).

Taskforce representatives from each State and Territory will consult with teachers, school leaders, students, parents and guardians, education unions and other key stakeholders.

The NSW Department of Education is the Secretariat for the taskforce and will lead the consultation process. More information can be found on the NSW Education website.

The work is part of the Australian Government’s broader consultation on AI regulation.

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