The Australian Government Department of Education has released the inaugural Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools, to be implemented from Term 1 2024.
The Framework, which can be accessed here, has been designed to assist school communities to use generative AI in a safe and effective way.
Key to the Framework is the privacy, security and safety of students, with the Framework making clear that generative AI tools should only be used in ways that “…respect and uphold privacy and data rights, comply with Australian law, and avoid the unnecessary collection, limit the retention, prevent further distribution, and prohibit the sale of student data.”
In addition to privacy, security and safety, the Framework prioritises teaching and learning outcomes, human and social wellbeing, transparency, fairness and accountability.
The Framework was considered and agreed to by all Education Ministers in October 2023 and was developed by the National AI Schools Taskforce.
The Taskforce includes members from the Australian Government, States and Territories, the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), and Education Services Australia.
The National AI Schools Taskforce consulted widely with government and non-government school sectors, education unions, AI and education experts and others, including First Nations people who provided feedback on the draft Framework released in July 2023.
The Framework will be reviewed at least every 12 months, or as needed.
As part of the implementation of the Framework, $1 million will be provided to Education Services Australia to establish product expectations for generative AI technology.
The Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools complements the Albanese Government’s broader work into Safe and Responsible AI led by Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said Generative AI presents opportunities for students and teachers, but there are also risks such as the privacy and safety of school children.
“This Framework will help guide all school communities so they can enjoy the potential benefits to teaching and learning that generative AI offers, while mitigating the risks,” he said. “Importantly, the Framework highlights that schools should not use generative AI products that sell student data.
“We will continue to review the Framework to keep pace with developments in generative AI and changes in technology. If we get this right, generative AI can help personalise education and make learning more compelling and effective, and this Framework will help teachers and school communities maximise the potential of this new technology.”
