Ep 6. Equal Opportunities in the Digital Age

Series: Artificial Intelligence, Leadership and the Future of Further Education

With:

Richard Foster-Fletcher, Executive Chair, MKAI.org
Kurt Hintz, Executive Principal, Capital City College Group
Dr. Sean Mackney, Principal and CEO at Petroc

Episode 6:

Equal Opportunities in the Digital Age

Episode Notes

This episode centres on the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping equal opportunities in the education sector, with a special focus on further education and leadership. Discussions range from how AI could democratise access to quality education to its ethical considerations.


Objectives:

• To discuss AI's potential to level the playing field in education, especially in further education.
• To examine the governmental policies around AI's impact on education and lifelong learning.
• To explore the ethical considerations of AI in educational settings, particularly in terms of inclusion and analytics.

Key Discussions:

AI's Potential in Education and Leadership

Richard, Sean, and Kurt explore the untapped potential of AI to bring equality in educational opportunities. Sean is optimistic that AI could particularly assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing a supportive structure for learning.

AI's Potential in Education: Group-Fetch and Cognitive Offload

Sean and Kurt touch upon how AI can aid in personalised learning experiences. Sean brings up the concept of 'group-fetch' and deep relationships, while Kurt discusses 'cognitive offload' to ease complex tasks.

AI's Impact on Education and Lifelong Learning

Sean brings attention to the governmental view of AI across sectors, urging caution that the pace of technological advancements could outstrip societal adaptation. He advocates for policies like universal income to offset AI's unpredictable disadvantages.

Adapting to AI: The Future of Skills and Careers

Sean and Kurt delve into the necessity for career adaptability in an AI-driven landscape. Sean speaks about the need for switching careers in the case of automation, exemplified by a bricklayer adapting to drone operation.

Colleges as Anchors in the Age of AI

The panel addresses the role of colleges as community anchors, contributing to productivity and equal opportunities. Kurt and Sean emphasise the ethical use of data and AI by colleges and call for government frameworks to guide this.

GPT-4 Release and Productivity Boost

Sean talks about the upcoming release of GPT-4, predicting improvements in productivity. He also hints at the possibility of governmental policy mandating access to mobile hardware and speed.

Inclusion, AI, and Ethics

Sean and Richard focus on the importance of inclusion and ethical engagement with AI and data. They debate the potential benefits and risks of AI in this context.

Ethics and Learning Analytics in Higher Education

The discussion turns towards the ethical dimensions of learning analytics. While Sean expresses reservations about how these tools could potentially limit personal growth, Kurt sees them as useful for tracking skills and behaviours.

Action Items:

• Implement ethical guidelines for AI in educational settings.
• Lobby for governmental frameworks that promote the ethical use of AI.
• Encourage a balanced approach that values both technological advancements and ethical considerations.

The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for educators, policymakers, and thought leaders on the importance and complexity of integrating AI into the educational landscape. It stresses the need for a careful, well-considered approach.



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