Schools should embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and could use “Alexa-style” machines in lessons to help shy children who do not want to put their hands up in class, a leading private school head said today. Chris King, chairman of the HMC group of private schools, said in the future Alexa or Siri-type virtual assistants could help timid children become more confident in lessons. Gifted children could also use the technology to learn independently from the rest of the class, he said. At the launch of the HMC spring conference, Mr King said: “Children can be reluctant to put their hands up and answer questions in class, especially if they think they might be ridiculed. That won’t come from a machine. “Access to artificial intelligence might encourage the timid more reluctant learner to take more of a risk and develop more self-confidence in the learning process.” Mr King, head of Leicester Grammar School, chose the topic of this year’s conference, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality in Education. He said education must not be left behind on artificial intelligence, adding: “The commercial world has seen the opportunities of AI, and it is important education recognises the opportunities it can bring. There is huge potential.” He said: “I don’t want to paint a picture of classrooms filled with pupils with their own Alexas but we could well see that kind of machine finding its way into classrooms and allowing differentiated learning. Nothing will replace the magic of a teacher, but the two are not mutually exclusive. It is not either or.” His school is already running a pilot scheme where a computer analyses test results and comes up with suggestions for what a child should learn next. A poll of 500 sixth formers before the conference found more than 80 per cent think a human being is a better teacher than a robot could ever be. Some students were worried that robots acting as teachers could be hacked and produce false information, or find out their personal details. Others feared a standardisation of education, reduction of creativity and boredom. Mr King said: “It is gratifying pupils value the human relationship with their teachers and care is needed to make sure it is never compromised. “However, much of the concern pupils are showing could be fear of the unknown. AI has huge possibilities for adding richness to pupils’ experience, personalising their learning and freeing up teachers to do what really matters.” Today’s conference comes after the education select committee launched an investigation into new technologies including artificial intelligence and robotics.
Virtual assistants like robots should be used in schools to help shy children who are putting their hand up in class , said robin King , chairman of the HMC group of private schools , at its spring conference . The technology could also be used to help further the learning of gifted children . King is also supportive of Leicester Grammar School , which is trialling a system whereby a computer analyses test results and suggests the next area of learning for a child . However , more than 80 % of sixth formers surveyed before the conference believe a human is a better teacher than a robot .