Discover how AI is transforming the education sector

Revolutionising learning: How AI is transforming the education sector

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is transforming various sectors, and education is no exception. The introduction of Generative AI in 2022 (e.g. ChatGPT and Soundful) created significant disruptions to education with most systems and schools banning the use of Gen AI tools during its introductory phase.

However, in December 2023 Australian Education Ministers agreed on and released the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools (hereafter referred to as ‘Framework’). The Framework seeks to guide the responsible and ethical use of Gen AI tools in ways that benefit students, schools, and society, and recognises that Gen AI is here to stay and must be embraced. All Australian public education systems and most non-state schools now use Gen AI.

BDO’s National Centre for Education has identified the following four key areas where generative AI can enhance the education system:

Equity and accessibility
Teacher training and development
Bias, ethics and transparency
Teaching and learning

Equity and accessibility

Despite efforts to improve access to quality education for all students, persistent performance gaps on national and international testing continues.

AI has the potential to empower all students by ensuring the 2025 Schools Resourcing Standards and the National School Reform Agreement provide the necessary hardware, internet connectivity, and AI-friendly platforms - especially for marginalised groups.

An increase in funding and support for low socio-economic, regional and indigenous students, and those facing educational barriers is crucial to overcoming these challenges.

Teacher training and development

It is essential that teachers are afforded opportunities to have access to and understanding of contemporary evidence-based teaching strategies, technologies, and knowledge about how students learn to effectively engage and meet their students’ diverse learning needs.

AI can enable professional learning by offering quality development opportunities focused on digital literacy and the integration of Gen AI in teaching. Additionally, AI-driven tools can assist teachers in providing quality teaching and learning, freeing up time for other professional responsibilities such as mentoring graduate teachers.

Bias, ethics and transparency 

Developing bias-free AI tools is essential to avoid perpetuating stereotypes and biases in educational settings, and inclusive strategies that engage parents and communities in Gen AI usage at schools can foster an environment supportive of equitable benefits.

Educators should regularly research and review any AI tools they endorse to teachers and students, to ensure the fairness and effectiveness of Gen AI tools. Policies should also be adjusted to address any emerging issues.

Teaching and learning 

AI can help revise curricula to emphasise critical thinking, data literacy, and ethical discernment, preparing students for an AI-integrated future. Promoting collaborative learning through expert networks and platforms allows teachers to share knowledge and innovate teaching strategies. Empowering student voices by implementing programs that encourage feedback on how Gen AI can enhance their learning is also vital.

By addressing these key areas, AI can play a transformative role in creating a more equitable, effective, and forward-thinking educational landscape.

About the BDO Centre for Education

The BDO Centre for Education (the Centre) is dedicated to advancing education in Australia by fostering collaboration among experts, stakeholders, and sectors within the field. The Centre’s mission is to promote excellence and equity, enabling all Australians to become confident and creative individuals, successful learners, and active and informed community members. Through critical analysis, evidence-based solutions, and informed advocacy, we strive to address the challenges facing education in the 2020s as outlined in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019). Our commitment to knowledge dissemination, outreach and inclusivity drives us to shape public opinion and advocate for evidence-based education policies, creating a stronger, more inclusive educational landscape for future generations.

The committee comprises of ten members who have served in various roles as leaders, stewards, managers, or advisers a diverse range of settings across the education sector over many decades, and these individuals remain active in the education sector.