Quiz-based learning: trialling AI in schools

An AI trial has commenced across 10 Queensland state schools, involving 500 students and 25 teachers.

The technology being trialled is an artificial intelligence teaching and learning tool called Cerego. It uses generative AI and machine learning to provide quiz-based learning that quickly adjusts to the needs of individual students.

Teachers remain at the centre of classroom learning, providing Cerego with the parameters of the quiz design to specifically target the needs of their students.

Using machine learning based on each student’s answers, Cerego provides a personalised, tailored learning experience for the student to progress through the content.

Students taking part are in classes from Year 5 to Year 12 and are studying a wide range of subjects including English, physics, science, health and humanities, and accounting. The trial is consistent with the six principles of the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools.

Research shows that when it comes to education, using specific tools that only draw on accurate and approved information is one of the most effective ways of harnessing AI. While applications like ChatGPT are open source, which can lead to issues with accuracy, Cerego’s source information can be provided directly. In this case, it is a digitised version of the full curriculum used in Queensland state schools.

“There’s no doubt the recent explosion in AI presents some incredible opportunities in our classrooms. Like the calculators and the internet before it, it’s going to change the way we teach and learn,” said Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace.

“For teachers AI is about saving time, reducing workload, and ensuring the technology is intuitive and easy to use. For students, it provides a tailored interactive learning experience that quickly adapts to their individual needs.”

Learnings from the trial will be used to develop resources providing information and guidance for all state schools about the use of AI in schools in 2024. It will also support the work of the national body, Education Services Australia, which has been asked by ministers to produce a framework of requirements for those developing AI products to use in schools.

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