- National guidance supports teachers and pupils to use AI
safely and ethically
Guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Scotland's
schools has been published for the first time.
The guidance aims to support those working in schools to use AI
in a fair, safe and ethical way.
It provides information on the potential benefits of using AI and
the issues to be mindful of, while giving examples of how AI can
be used appropriately in the classroom.
The guidance has been developed jointly with the EIS teaching
union and with input from local government, Education Scotland
and others, in response to the growth in the use of AI across
society.
Education Secretary said:
"AI is increasingly part of all our lives, and we have a
responsibility to ensure children, young people, and teachers are
equipped to grasp its opportunities and navigate its challenges.
“It is important that human relationships remain at the heart of
education, and I am absolutely clear that technology will never
replace the role of the teacher. This guidance makes clear that
AI must enhance, not replace, those connections.
“For pupils, that means using AI as a tool to support creativity,
critical thinking and personalised learning, while protecting
their rights and privacy. For teachers, it means having the
confidence, professional autonomy and practical support to decide
when and how AI adds value in their classroom.”
EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said:
“AI is a tool for teachers; it must never be a replacement for
them or their professional judgement. The human relationship
between teacher and children and young people is at the heart of
learning in our schools. No tool, no tech, no algorithm can
replace that.
“We've co-created these guardrails to ensure that where teachers
choose to use AI in schools, it is ethical, equitable, and -
above all - safe.”
Background
Scottish Guidelines and
Guardrails for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools
- gov.scot
This guidance is non-statutory for schools and local authorities.
This reflects the rapidly evolving nature of AI in education and
the need for flexibility for local authorities to develop their
own AI policies.
