England OKs Teachers’ Use of AI While Marking Students’ Work

Teachers across England are being encouraged to use AI to handle repetitive tasks, according to new guidelines from the Department for Education (DfE). 

The guidelines include training resources to help schools understand how AI can be applied in day-to-day work. However, the DfE also noted that educators should be open about when they use AI and always double-check its outputs to avoid mistakes. 

Teaching organizations and tech groups have responded to the news with cautious optimism. The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) acknowledged that AI could reduce time spent on admin tasks, potentially improving classroom interaction. Still, they pointed out ongoing challenges, such as funding and the need for clear policies. 

Meanwhile, the BCS, which is the Chartered Institute for IT, described the update as a step in the right direction. However, they noted that teachers would benefit from clearer advice on how and when to inform parents if AI has been used in communication, such as email updates or informational letters. 

Although some educators and students have already started using AI tools in limited ways, this is the first official rollout of structured guidelines and resources from the government. It notes that AI should only be used in low-risk situations, like grading quizzes or handling homework feedback. Importantly, teachers remain responsible for checking the accuracy of any AI-generated content. 

One example shared in the guidelines shows how AI can quickly draft letters for common issues, such as notifying parents of a head lice outbreak. It also gives educators the green light to use AI for other routine communications, provided it’s done thoughtfully. 

Emma Darcy, a school leader who advises on digital tools, believes it’s essential for teachers to become familiar with AI, especially since students are already exploring it independently. She noted that educators who avoid learning about these technologies may find it harder to guide students in using them safely and effectively. 

At the same time, Darcy cautioned that AI isn’t foolproof. It can produce incorrect or entirely fabricated information if left unchecked. She stressed that educators should never rely on it blindly and must take care to validate whatever it generates. 

The DfE guidelines also recommend that schools establish clear rules on how AI is used by staff and students. Manual reviews, according to the department, remain the most effective way to detect misuse, including cheating or plagiarism. It also calls for approved software only and encourages teaching students how to spot manipulated content like deepfakes. 

Meanwhile, governments in Scotland and Wales have supported AI in education as long as it’s applied responsibly. Northern Ireland officials recently launched a study with Oxford Brookes University to explore how AI might boost educational outcomes for specific student groups. 

The growing acceptance of AI in educational institutions further signals that AI solutions from enterprises like Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP) are likely to gain significant traction since more members of the public and the business community are coming to trust AI as a force-multiplier in different fields. 

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