Teachers Union Calls for AI Guidelines in Dutch Schools
Amsterdam, Netherlands -The Dutch teachers union, AOb, is calling for national guidelines on the useof artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The union argues that while AI is already being used in classrooms, teachers and schools lack adequate knowledge and understanding of itsimplications.
AOb vice-chairman Jelmer Evers expressed concerns about the potential risks of AI in education, particularly its impact on children. He highlighted thelack of research on AI’s influence and the potential for discrimination due to increased digitalization. Evers also voiced concerns about tech companies gaining undue influence over teaching materials and the potential for sensitive student data to be compromised.
We already useAI in the classroom, but we don’t really know how to deal with it in education, Evers said. The risks of AI are great. By using it as a school, you make it normal. Then, you have toknow exactly what influence it has.
The AOb believes that national guidelines would raise awareness of these concerns and provide teachers and students with practical tools for using AI effectively. They are already working on their own guidelines and are seeking collaboration with other organizations, including the Ministry of Education.
AI is not bad. Itcan be very useful. But it is very much about how you use it, Evers said. There are hardly any frameworks for that now.
In response to the AOb’s request, State Secretary Mariëlle Paul of Primary- and Secondary Education and Emancipation acknowledged the opportunities and concerns surrounding AI in education.While she emphasized the importance of teachers’ role in managing AI in the classroom, her response regarding specific guidelines was unclear.
AI offers opportunities to personalize learning and to support teachers in their work. But I see that the rapid development of AI also raises concerns, Paul said. I understand those concerns very well.As far as I am concerned, the key lies mainly in the way in which the teacher deals with this in the classroom.
The Ministry is currently promoting initiatives to enhance teachers’ AI skills, including an expertise center for digital literacy and free AI courses offered through the Dutch AI coalition.
The AOb’s callfor national guidelines reflects a growing awareness of the need for responsible AI implementation in education. As AI continues to evolve, clear guidelines and frameworks are crucial for ensuring its ethical and effective use in schools.
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