New training will help teachers across Australia and New Zealand support the safe and effective use of generative AI (GenAI) in schools for themselves and their students.
Education Services Australia (ESA) and Microsoft joined forces to create an online training solution which aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Government’s Framework for Generative AI in Schools.
The training modules can help teachers unlock personalised learning opportunities for students in GenAI. GenAI such as ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content such as text, images, videos, and code based on prompts or inputs.
The new training is a key initiative in Microsoft’s effort to train one million people across Australia and New Zealand in GenAI skills by 2026.
Participation in the training modules is free for teachers in Australia and New Zealand. The two modules address some of the most common teacher concerns about GenAI tools, such as the risk of inaccurate information being generated.
The content has been developed by subject matter experts, in consultation with school administrators and teachers, reviewed by leaders within the teaching community, and approved by the federal Department of Education.
Mr Andrew Smith, ESA CEO said: “Generative AI is a developing technology that presents both opportunities and risks to school education.
“These modules offer an accessible avenue for Australia’s teachers to build their confidence and knowledge in using it safely and ethically, which will support our schools and education systems in achieving better outcomes as the technology evolves.”
Saves teachers nine hours a week
Mr Adam Pollington, Microsoft ANZ education director, said the knowledge gained from the modules would help teachers be significantly more confident using GenAI for their own benefit, as well as tailoring learning experiences to improve accessibility and engagement for students.
“We know from examples in Australia that teachers can save an average of 9.3 hours per week through GenAI use, and that additional time can be repurposed to enhance student outcomes,” he said.
“Teachers play a critical role in driving responsible student GenAI use, so it is imperative that they lead the way, and this training will provide the opportunity to do so.”
Implementation strategies
Participants will receive a certificate for each module completed and the training will contribute to their professional development requirements. The first module, AI Readiness: Preparing teachers for safe and effective use of GenAI, is available via the ESA Digital Technologies Hub website.
Suitable for all teachers, the module explains how GenAI tools work and explores their limitations. It details how to evaluate content created using the new technologies and check for bias, inaccuracies and misinformation. This knowledge will enhance teachers’ confidence, enabling them to make informed decisions about implementing and using GenAI effectively and ethically in the classroom.
Ms Rebecca Weber, an expert in digital education from the South Australia Department for Education, said: “The first module serves as an excellent preparation resource, in anticipation of the next module.
“For those new to the concept of GenAI, it provides a strong starting point. The use of examples and the breakdown of prompts are well executed.”
Module two, AI Implementation: Strategies for guiding students in safe and effective use of GenAI, has been developed for those teaching students aged 13 and above, and builds on the foundations of module one.
In this module, teachers learn how to guide their students through various classroom activities with GenAI support, emphasising practical, age-appropriate classroom implementation. This module will be available in June.
To complement the modules, teachers can take advantage of live online training sessions which provide a forum to explore content further and ask questions.
