AI chat tool to be rolled out across NSW public schools to ease teacher workload
The NSW government is set to introduce NSWEduChat, an artificial intelligence education technology, in public schools across the state. This initiative, aimed at alleviating the pressure on teachers, marks one of the largest rollouts of its kind globally.
According to NSW education minister, Prue Car, NSWEduChat will be accessible to public school teachers starting from the beginning of term four, which commences on 14 October. The development of NSWEduChat follows the ban of ChatGPT in classrooms and has been designed to streamline various tasks for teachers.
Benefits for teachers
A trial of the chat tool has shown promising results, with teachers able to save significant time on tasks such as producing student resources, correspondence, and newsletters. Some teachers reported saving more than an hour per week, highlighting the potential efficiency gains from using NSWEduChat.
Car emphasized that NSWEduChat is not meant to replace teachers' work but rather to support them in managing their time effectively, customizing resources, and focusing on essential classroom activities. The expansion of this trial to all teachers is part of the government's efforts to reduce administrative burdens and enhance teacher-student engagement.
NSWEduChat operates differently from its predecessor, ChatGPT, which was banned in NSW schools due to cheating concerns. The new AI tool is programmed to respond only to questions related to schoolwork and prompts students to think critically by asking follow-up questions, rather than providing full answers outright.
Addressing teacher shortages
This initiative comes at a crucial time as the education sector faces a shortage of teachers. With teaching job vacancies dropping to fewer than 1,700 statewide, there is a pressing need to optimize teacher resources and support their professional roles effectively.
The NSW Teachers Federation is expected to provide feedback on the implementation of NSWEduChat in public schools, as the government seeks to enhance educational outcomes and teacher well-being in the state.
