VIEWS


BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION (BESA)


Early considerations for companies developing ChatGPT resources for education


Approaches to the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) are a hot topic for discussion in the education sector at present. This month, BESA has reached out to DAN FITZPATRICK, ‘The AI Educator’, to provide some insights for companies working to develop ChatGPT Resources for Education.


We are currently living through a boom in the development of AI platforms and resources. Many of these are focused on ChatGPT or are based on its technology. ChatGPT is a Large Language Model (LLM) AI system that simulates natural human conversation and has a knowledge base of 300 billion words worth of information. There are amazing benefits for teachers, students and educational leaders who use LLMs. None of them are perfect yet, but the technology is going to get much better


very fast. Co-founder of Open AI, Greg Brockman, recently stated that:


“[The] most amazing fact about AI is that even though it’s starting to feel impressive, a year from now we’ll look back fondly on the AI that exists today as quaint & antiquated.”


Not only are there gaps in the market now for quality educational AI resources, but these opportunities will continue to present themselves in the coming months and years.


For any companies jumping into these gaps, here are three early considerations:


1. You will have to develop competence in your customers The educators won’t know the benefits or have the skills yet. To ensure that teachers and students can use and understand LLMs, companies should write resources that are immediately understandable by the average teacher. Teachers and students will also need to understand their limitations. Forming your customer base can be difficult but if educators love your educational content, then they might also try your product.


2. You will need to be ethical in your approach Tools like ChatGPT should help teachers outsource the doing, not the thinking. It should build upon the expertise of the teacher and not replace the need for human interaction. Ethical considerations are crucial to ensure that the chatbot’s purpose is ethical and does not promote harmful behaviour or stereotypes. It is also essential to be aware of and avoid the bias that ChatGPT can produce. This could be a minefield, but building trust with educators early could do wonders for reputation in this new market.


3. Data protection will need to be a priority


It goes without saying that data protection laws and regulations must be followed. When it comes to ChatGPT specifically, it does not comply with GDPR. Although I believe this will change, there are some companies proactively mitigating this, by building platforms that filter out any sensitive information before submitting it to the chatbot. It would be sensible to hang fire until data protection is sorted out, however, the gaps in the market exist now and some companies are jumping headfirst into them.


For further information on AI in education, please see: 1. https://theaieducator.io 2. https://teachergoals.com/aiclassroom 3. https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt


April 2023 LEADERSHIP WITH CHARLOTTE ROWLEY


Looking after yourself as a leader


In her regular column on leadership CHARLOTTE ROWLEY, Acting Principal, St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy, this month offers advice on the benefits taking care of yourself will have on your role as leader.


Modelling positivity


We all know that leaders set the tone and feel of a school. If the headteacher is stressed, miserable or has major Monday morning blues, the chances of the rest of the school also catching this mood are very high. The influence that leaders can have over the feel of the environment is considerable. The ‘climate’ of the place is ultimately determined from the mood of one person.


It sounds like a lot of pressure and many heads may understandably feel that they have to simply ‘smile and wave’ when inside they may in fact, be struggling. It is a little bit like acting occasionally, but the power of positivity is not something to be underestimated.


Wellbeing wins for all


In recent months (particularly the dark mornings of January and following the Christmas joy), after tackling working through a pandemic, lockdowns and now the cost of living crisis, focusing on and prioritising mental health and well-being feels more important then ever. Such initiatives however, must not simply be a temporary ‘plaster’ solution, but really endeavour to bring balance to colleagues with the school and this includes yourself as a leader. For a while I have been so focused on ensuring that I introduce effective and impactful well-being weeks for my staff, encouraging healthy eating coupled with staffroom treats, fitness and exercise, fair and reasonable deadlines for tasks and a well-being forum that will facilitate and assist with suggestions. No one can argue that these are paramount, but I often forgot to actually instigate such strategies for myself. Putting others first is certainly not a bad trait, but we must make sure that the well-being wins are suitable, relevant, applicable and followed by everyone.


Follow your own advice


I had to remind myself to follow my own advice. Afterall, I am the first to say that we must prioritise our families. We should try and leave early on a Friday. We should exercise, have hobbies and interests that are for US. However, these words are empty if I do not model them – and guilt free too!


I love running and by ensuring that I leave time 2-3 times a week for a run, purely for the enjoyment and escapism and solely for me and my well-being and wellness, which is vital. It restores a sense of balance among a hectic week. By making plans in the week, whether this is catching up with a friend or work-free time to catch up on the Netflix series that you started watching over half term and never picked up again, this ‘grounding’ and escape is crucial in freeing the mind. Maybe it’s time to read that book that’s been on your list for a while – and one that has nothing to do with work. Yes, I am the first person to make these suggestions to other people and ‘market’ their value in relevance to wellbeing, but this should be a whole school cultural view. Model it.


Be human


Yes, we may need to ‘act’ as though we have it all together at times, that we are not overwhelmed and are the supporter, the pillars that colleagues lean on, rather than the foundations that may crumble. But we should also show that we too are HUMAN! This approachability, integrity and honesty that openly admits that we are not perfect can win hearts and minds and you know what, this ‘human’ approach can also ease the pressure, helping ourselves and our own mental health and balance. Try it!


www.education-today.co.uk 15


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