Oxford Summer School explores the future of AI in education

The week-long Summer School was designed and led by Dr Sara Ratner, Principal Investigator of AIEOU, in collaboration with the UK Department for Education. More than 100 participants came together to explore some of the biggest questions facing education as AI continues to develop.

Several sessions were hosted at the Department, bringing participants together to share perspectives and consider what AI should – and should not – do in education, how its impact can be evaluated, and what evidence is needed to support its effective and responsible use.

The programme brought together perspectives from academia, schools, government, industry and civil society, with collaborative sessions focused on developing practical approaches to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education.

Reflecting on the week Dr Sara Ratner said: “We look forward to sharing the recommendations to government, the commitments to action and the practical resources that will emerge in the coming weeks. I would like to say a special thank you to everyone that took part.”

She added: “One of the things that made me particularly happy was the way we included student voice in authentic and meaningful ways. We also created opportunities for current MSc and DPhil students at the Department to take on leadership roles. I think the very best thing we can do as academics is support and mentor the next generation of researchers and leaders.”

The Summer School is part of the wider AIEOU community, a growing network of researchers, educators, policymakers and industry leaders working to understand and shape the role of AI in education.