All NSW public school teachers will soon have access to a generative AI app developed by the Department of Education, after feedback from a trial in 50 schools showed the tool significantly improved workload efficiency and enabled teachers to focus more of their time on the classroom.
In what will be one of the world’s largest systemic rollouts of AI chat for teachers, NSWEduChat will be made available for all teachers by the start of Term 4. The trial began in 16 schools at the start of 2024 and initially expanded to 50 schools in Term 2.
Purpose-built for use in education, NSWEduChat has distinct versions for teachers and students with the version for teachers aiming to reduce time spent on routine administrative tasks. The expansion of access to the generative AI app NSWEduChat follows high engagement and positive feedback from the initial trial including:
- Time saved producing a range of resources to meet the different ability levels of students.
- Improved ability to adjust classroom resources to students’ interests.
- Significant time saving in checking correspondence, newsletters, and preparing materials.
Some teachers involved in the NSWEduChat trial have reported saving over an hour per week on producing various lesson resources.
The objective of the trial is to understand the benefits of generative AI on teaching and learning – including how it can assist teachers to get through administrative work more quickly so their energy is focussed on students.
As part of its work to address the teacher shortage, which includes paying teachers more and giving more teachers permanent roles, the NSW Government is committed to reducing the admin load on teachers by five hours per week.
Providing NSWEduChat access to staff systemwide will allow the department to explore the impact of the tool in assisting teachers to save time while creating quality learning opportunities for students.
NSWEduChat is based in the department’s own cloud environment, ensuring data is secure. Use of the app is optional for staff. To help staff use the app, the department provides professional learning resources including workshops and online guides.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said NSW is leading the world in developing its own purpose-built generative AI app for education.
“Teachers who have been using this tool say it’s helping them spend less time on admin, enabling them to focus on teaching,” she said.
“NSWEduChat does not replace the valuable work of our teachers – it helps them to save time, tailor their resources, and focus on their critical work in the classroom.
“The expansion of this trial to all teachers is part of our work to reduce the admin burden and get more teachers in front of our students.”
