"The Biggest Risk Is Doing Nothing?"
Curated AI education news for week 26 in 2025.
Good morning, AI educators.
A new Ofsted report reveals that while schools are cautiously adopting AI to reduce teacher workload, there's a need for more evidence of its educational impact. meanwhile, several education companies are being recognized for their positive use of AI to promote educational equity.
In this week's news:
Ofsted shares insights from early AI adopters in UK schools and colleges.
Education companies are recognized at the AI Impact Awards for their positive contributions.
Concerns are raised about the mental health risks of AI tools in schools.
A new poll shows a majority of US teachers are using AI to save time.
A recent study suggests that using ChatGPT may lead to reduced critical thinking.
'The biggest risk is doing nothing': insights from early adopters of artificial intelligence in schools and further education colleges
A report by Ofsted reveals that early adopter schools and colleges in England are using AI primarily to reduce teacher workload, but there is still a lack of evidence of its educational impact and a need for more effective strategies for classroom integration.
Details:
Schools and colleges are introducing AI mainly to reduce workload for teachers and administrative staff, with common uses in lesson planning, creating resources, and drafting communications.
Many institutions have "AI champions" to support staff and build confidence in using the new technology.
Leaders are focused on the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI, with many developing policies to address risks around bias, data protection, and safeguarding.
There is a need to better understand how to effectively use AI in the classroom, as some leaders have not yet systematically planned for its integration into teaching and learning.
There is limited robust evidence of AI's impact on educational outcomes, with most current use being "explorative, short-term and in limited domains".
Why it matters: The adoption of AI in schools has the potential to alleviate the significant workload pressures that contribute to teacher burnout. By automating administrative tasks, AI could free up teachers to focus more on direct teaching and student support. However, for this to be successful, there needs to be a clear, evidence-based approach to integrating AI into the curriculum, along with robust guidance to manage the associated risks.
GOV.UK, June 27, 2025. Link
AI Impact Awards 2025: Three Education Companies See a Bright Spot Amid Worries
Amidst fears about AI, some education companies see it as an opportunity to achieve educational equality, with several being recognized at the 2025 AI Impact Awards for their innovative solutions.
Details:
Salesforce received the Best Outcomes, General Learning award for its education-focused accelerator, which helps organizations like College Possible create AI assistants for students.
Coursera won the Best Outcomes, Commercial Learning award for its AI-powered personal tutor, Coach, which has been shown to improve student performance and completion rates.
ClassDojo was awarded Best Outcomes, K-12 Education for Sidekick, an AI teaching assistant that reduces teacher workload by handling "busywork."
These companies are part of a larger group of 38 organizations recognized across various industries for their practical and impactful use of AI.
Why it matters: The use of AI in education is not just about technological advancement; it's about addressing long-standing issues of inequality and access to quality learning. By personalizing learning, providing on-demand support, and freeing up teachers' time, AI has the potential to create a more equitable educational landscape. This shift could help to close the opportunity gap and provide all students with the tools they need to succeed.
Newsweek, June 24, 2025. Link
AI education news in brief
AI in the classroom takes off with no guardrails
AI tools in schools raise concerns about mental health risks, particularly for younger students, with experts calling for better regulation and safety measures.
June 26, 2025. POLITICO
How ChatGPT and other AI tools are changing the teaching profession
A recent poll shows that a majority of K-12 teachers in the US are using AI tools to save time on tasks like lesson planning and grading, leading to a better work-life balance. June 25, 2025. AP News
How AI Is Supercharging Teacher Training
Districts are increasingly using artificial intelligence to provide teachers with more frequent and personalized professional development opportunities. June 24, 2025. Education Week
AI can help teachers with their workload, but it can’t replace the human side of teaching
While AI is proving useful for administrative tasks, this article argues that the essential, human elements of teaching, such as building relationships and providing pastoral care, cannot be replicated by technology. June 26, 2025. The Conversation
The Promise And Peril Of AI In Education
This article explores both the potential for AI to create personalized learning experiences and the significant risks it poses, including the potential for cheating and the erosion of critical thinking skills. June 23, 2025. Forbes
How not to use AI in university education
A university professor offers a perspective on the pitfalls of using AI in higher education, cautioning against over-reliance and emphasizing the need to teach students how to use it critically and ethically. June 22, 2025. Times Higher Education
AI studies released this week
AI could improve UK public services – but only with stronger oversight, experts warn A report from the universities of Southampton and Cambridge advises that while AI can enhance public services, it requires robust regulation and public oversight to prevent negative consequences like job losses and increased inequality. June 25, 2025. University of Southampton
AI could cut more emissions than it creates
A new study indicates that artificial intelligence has the potential to contribute to a reduction in global emissions. June 23, 2025. Grantham Research Institute on climate change and the environment - LSE
LLMs factor in unrelated information when recommending medical treatments
Researchers at MIT have found that the accuracy of large language models in medical recommendations is negatively affected by nonclinical information in patient messages, such as typos and unprofessional language. June 23, 2025. MIT News
Do AI Chatbots Like ChatGPT Harm Our Brains?
A study by researchers at MIT suggests that using ChatGPT may lead to reduced critical thinking, as evidenced by lower levels of brain engagement during writing tasks. June 27, 2025. AI Magazine
Inside Microsoft's 2025 Responsible AI Transparency Report
Microsoft has released its second annual report on responsible AI, detailing the company's efforts to ensure its development and deployment of AI technologies are ethical and transparent. June 27, 2025. AI Magazine
In other AI news
Mattel partnered with OpenAI to integrate AI into iconic toys like Barbie and Hot Wheels, enabling personalized and adaptive play experiences. Link
A lawsuit targets OpenAI and Microsoft’s Copilot AI, highlighting legal challenges for major generative AI platforms. Link
AI-generated fake videos related to the Israel-Iran conflict have amassed over 100 million views, spreading disinformation online. Link
AI is being used to solve an ancient Roman mystery by deciphering scrolls buried during the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Link
AI’s impact on elections is growing, with over 7,300 AI-generated posts removed in Romania for misleading voters. Link
Microsoft collaborated with the Hip Hop Museum to develop AI tools that assist aspiring artists in songwriting, boosting creativity in music production. Link
"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." Theodore Roosevelt, I believe.