Artificial intelligence guidelines for teachers and students 'notably absent', report finds

A spokesman for the Department of Education said it was currently finalising guidance on the use of AI in teaching and learning.

Many schools continue to rely on outdated technology policies as they await clear directions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) highlights.  

It comes as teachers and students remain without official guidelines on the appropriate, and inappropriate, usage of the rapidly advancing technology in teaching and learning. 

The Department of Education previously committed to publishing official AI guidelines for teachers and students by March of this year. In early 2024, then education minister Norma Foley said the department was in the process of establishing comprehensive guidance.

In a bulletin due to be published on Thursday, ESRI research notes there has been a notable absence of clear guidelines from the Department of Education on how teachers and schools should navigate the complexities of the AI world. 

"Up to now, they have been left to independently determine the extent to which AI tools can be used in teaching and learning." 

Researchers Ann Marcus-Quinn and Selina McCoy analysed the acceptable use policies (AUPs) in a sample of second-level schools with more than 1,000 students. AUPs traditionally govern internet and device use. 

The study found just six of the 51 schools had up-to-date AUPs, revealing a general lag in policy updates that address rapid digital advancements in schools. 

Across all 51 schools, AI-related guidelines were "notably absent", the study found, with most policies lacking "comprehensive instructions on emerging digital tools, underscoring the disconnect between policy and practice". 

A spokesman for the Department of Education said it was currently finalising guidance on the use of AI in teaching and learning. "It is expected that this guidance will issue in the coming weeks, complemented by the resources on the dedicated AI Hub already available on the [teachers' support service] Oide TiE website.

"The guidance will provide information on the opportunities and risks associated with AI and highlight matters for consideration to inform schools and teachers in educating on AI and considering the use of AI, so that it can be done in a safe, ethical and responsible manner."