The 3rd Working Conference on AI and education “Ensuring quality education in the AI era – Introducing the Council of Europe Compass for AI and Education” organised by the Education Department of the Council of Europe brought together policy makers, educators, academics, experts, members of the tech sector and of civil society to discuss how to shape the future use of AI in education.
A Common Framework for AI in Education
Overall, the discussions highlighted the need to develop a common framework for AI in education to protect citizens against fragmented standards and potential inequalities; commercial pressures in the education context; to enhance trust, innovation and cross-border compatibility and to ensure a foundation for common certification and recognition of qualifications.
Developing such a framework would also mean overcoming and addressing relevant challenges including the generational and digital divides, the evolving role of teachers and their responsibilities in this context, a concern for limited financial resources and future capacity to implement new governance structures.
Discussion on the Draft AI Literacy Recommendation
According to the discussions, AI literacy should evolve from existing digital and media-literacy efforts and should not be considered as a topic in isolation, standing alone. AI literacy shares some goals with media literacy including developing and enhancing critical thinking and civic engagement. Challenges in this context relate to unequal access to digital infrastructure, teacher fatigue and curriculum overload, risk of duplication and limited funding.
Developing a legal instrument to regulate the use of AI systems in Education
Regarding the possibility of developing a legal instrument on AI in Education, the debate highlighted that a human-centred approach grounded in existing human rights norms is widely accepted. Nevertheless, it was pointed out, at this time, strengthening the implementation of the Framework Convention on AI, human rights, democracy and the rule of law, AI Act, GDPR and relevant legislation would help address many risks.
Key themes
During the conference, it emerged that Europe does not seek to control technology but mould its use through common values and collective intelligence. Education should remain a public good and a democratic space for learning and it should not be a testing ground for algorithms.
Furthermore, any meaningful innovation would require trust and transparency. Therefore, cross-sectoral co-operation is key especially collaboration among member states and between public and private actors. Inclusion is essential, teachers and learners should be invited to contribute to any relevant processes in this context with other stakeholders.
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