College director recognised in leading author’s ‘AI in education’ book
Enhancement not replacement.
A Coleg Sir Gâr director who leads technology development within teaching and learning at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion, has been quoted in a book written by one of the world’s foremost voices on AI in education.
Director of teaching, learning and education, Bryony Evett Hackfort, is leading the development of AI generative technologies for students and staff at both colleges.
Her ‘enhancement not replacement’ ethos was used in Dan Fitzpatrick’s book, entitled Infinite Education: The Four-Step Strategy for Leading Change in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The quote read: “My approach to leading the strategic development of AI was to establish the clear and simple vision of ‘Enhancement Not Replacement’. It was essential that staff understood that for us, AI is not about replacing jobs, people or learning but about streamlining workloads, enhancing creativity and being active and positive members of the next digital revolution”.
The book questions amongst other things, why some schools are thriving in a world dominated by AI while others cling to outdated methods, leaving students and teachers behind.
Dan Fitzpatrick, is a trusted advisor to educational leaders and a pioneer in AI-driven strategies and has visited Coleg Sir Gâr in the past when AI technologies were emerging.
Bryony’s quote joins other educational leaders’ thoughts including Sandra H Ruffo, president of the New York State School Boards Association and professor Sugata Mitra, educational theorist.
Her approach to AI is all inclusive and not restricted to the education sector, highlighting that anyone can use it and whilst there are lessons to be learnt along the way, exploring creativity is key. “We have to be transparent, accountable and ethical when using AI generation but it also shouldn’t be feared for us to gain its benefits,” said Bryony Evett Hackfort. “As a college, we want to empower staff and students to use these technologies ethically and responsibly and so it’s essential that we are in tune with how AI is being used in the industry and how it might develop so that out learners are developing the skills they need for future work. Our engineers, artists, caregivers, policy makers, teachers, our entire future workforce all need support to find their voice in an ever-evolving digital world.”
The college is currently running Team Teaching with Pioneers action research project, which brings alive key historical figures through the use of ChatGPT, PlayHT and D-ID Studios, to bring learning to life, which has received positive feedback and increased student engagement.
Bryony has introduced four pillars to consider when using AI generation at the college, which question whether the activity is innovative, ethical, safe and effective.
She is also working on a qualification that could be used by any sector or individual to help them confidently approach and access AI.
Her team is currently engaged as the only further education representative, in a Proof-of-Concept project through the Atlantic Rim Collaboratory (ARC), led by the Welsh Government.
Philosophies have also been shared at the CICan2024 conference in Calgary, the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network.
Bryony Evett Hackfort added: “We are a learning community and this ethos applies to our journey with AI too.”
