Dominic Gore, Sr. Director, Anthology
The future of AI in education took centre stage in Leeds as university leaders, educators, and technology experts gathered to explore how AI can enhance learning while maintaining human oversight. The event prompted critical discussion on the opportunity that AI adoption provides for higher education, from streamlining administrative tasks to enabling personalized learning experiences.
As part of a global series from EdTech company Anthology on the development of AI technologies, the event at the University of Leeds brought together voices from across the UK to discuss how universities can harness AI’s potential while keeping students at the heart of education. With more than 2,000 education professionals participating worldwide, Anthology’s Ethical AI Roadshow made stops in major cities like Los Angeles, Sydney and Madrid, highlighting the global momentum behind AI in higher education. It was a valuable chance for educators and technology providers to share best practices and discuss potential principles for ethical AI frameworks.
As part of the experience, more than 600 participants were surveyed on their current priorities for the use of AI in education, here are some of the key insights that emerged from the data:
Empowering Educators
One of the key takeaways was AI’s ability to reduce administrative burdens, giving educators more time to focus on student engagement. More than 50% of surveyed participants identified automation as a top priority, with AI already helping streamline marking, course design, and data entry. By leveraging AI for routine tasks, universities can focus on creating more dynamic and interactive learning experiences.
Transforming Assessments
Another major theme was AI’s impact on assessments. With generative AI making plagiarism detection more challenging and the inherent bias that plagiarism tools can introduce, universities are shifting towards ‘authentic assessments’ -a type of evaluation that measures students’ ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world contexts rather than through traditional tests or quizzes.. A resounding 62% of attendees agreed this is the most effective response to the challenge of AI plagiarism, and institutional leaders at the event shared that they believe this is a positive shift, encouraging institutions to rethink traditional evaluation methods.
Safeguarding Users
Transparency emerged as a crucial requirement for ethical AI use, with 43% highlighting it as a priority. Institutions are open to the possibilities that AI holds for both learners and instructors but believe it essential that all stakeholders have clarity on where AI is being used and the function that it serves. This, in turn, develops trust and encourages them to engage further with AI technologies.
What’s Next?
The Leeds event reinforced the growing optimism around AI in education. With thoughtful implementation and collaboration, AI can enhance learning, empower educators, and create stronger connections between universities and the workforce. As these conversations continue worldwide, Leeds has solidified itself as a key player in shaping the future of AI in higher education.
