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AI as important as Maths and English, claims Euan Blair’s start-up

As reported by The Telegraph, Euan Blair's apprenticeship company, Multiverse, is asserting the equivalence of artificial intelligence (AI) skills with core subjects like English and math.

Starting this September, Multiverse, known for connecting school leavers with top employers like Google, will incorporate AI training into its programs, impacting over 300 partners. Multiverse collaborates with UK apprentices, adapting to the rising importance of AI proficiency in modern workplaces.

A survey indicated that about 50% of apprentices underutilised AI tools. An additional survey of 1,000 business leaders by Multiverse found 83% planning rapid AI training for staff. The curriculum covers critical assessment of AI outputs, "prompt writing," and cultivating critical thinking and leadership for adept AI adaptation.

The announcement coincides with Clare Marchant, head of the Universities and Colleges Admission Service, suggesting apprenticeships as an alternative for students facing university admission challenges.

UNESCO calls for appropriate use of technology in education

A recent UNESCO report highlights the urgent need for effective governance and regulation of technology’s role in education. The report stresses that nations must establish their own criteria to ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, traditional teacherled instruction. Entitled “Technology in education: A tool on whose terms?” the 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report was unveiled in Uruguay by UNESCO. It addresses four pivotal aspects: Appropriateness: While technology can enhance learning, qualified teacher involvement is crucial to prevent negative impacts on education. A balanced approach that values human interaction is vital.

Equity: Ensuring equitable access to meaningful connectivity is a cornerstone of the right to education. The report calls for universal connectivity benchmarks by 2030, with a focus on marginalised students. Scalability: Thorough, impartial evidence of technology’s educational impact is imperative. The report urges considering long-term costs and aligning technology expansion with basic education needs.

Sustainability: As technology rapidly evolves, adaptable education systems are essential. Fostering skills such as digital literacy and AI comprehension is vital. Safeguarding user rights and cybersecurity is crucial.

Teenagers turning to ChatGPT for sexual health advice as RSHE put under review

A survey conducted by Plan International UK, a children's rights charity, has unveiled a significant trend among young people seeking sexual health and period advice from AI chatbots, reports inews. The survey, which engaged 1,200 respondents, highlighted that approximately 700,000 young people have turned to AI technology for information on these sensitive matters.

The data revealed that nine percent of young women and eight percent of young men have utilised chatbots to acquire information related to sexual health. Additionally, 12% of young women have used AI to seek answers about periods. These statistics point to a growing reliance on technology for crucial information, particularly in areas that are often considered private.

While the availability of AI chatbots for this purpose can be convenient, concerns have been raised about the potential for these systems to offer inaccurate or biased information. Kathleen Spencer Chapman, director of communications at Plan International UK, underscored the importance of providing accurate and diverse resources that cater to the varied needs of young people across genders, ethnicities, and sexual identities.

Chapman emphasised the significance of addressing the issue of sexual health and relationships education in schools, which is currently under review by the UK government. The objective of the review is to prevent students from being exposed to inappropriate content for their age, with revised guidelines anticipated in September.

However, some experts have cautioned that the updated guidance should encompass topics beyond the biological aspects of sexual health, including relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The aim is to provide comprehensive and inclusive education that prepares young people to navigate the complexities of human relationships and sexuality.

Sinem Görücü, an AI researcher and founder of feministdesign.co, noted that AI chatbots tend to reflect the data they are trained on, which could amplify existing biases and inaccuracies.

The consensus among experts is that chatbots should not replace in-person education that addresses the emotional and social dimensions of these topics. AI has the potential to enhance learning, but it is crucial to strike a balance between convenience and accuracy to ensure that young people have access to comprehensive and supportive resources.