AI revolution in schools: This is how learning will be shaped in the future!

AI revolution in schools: This is how learning will be shaped in the future!

Düsseldorf – The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the German education system is taking shape. The management consultancy Kearney works closely with the German Children and Youth Foundation (DKJS) and has published comprehensive recommendations for action aimed at improving teaching and learning. With the already well-known ChatGPT, teachers and students have the opportunity to integrate AI into their daily practice. But that alone does not exhaust the possibilities; further AI-supported systems could revolutionize the education sector in the future.

As part of the analysis by Kearney and the DKJS, crucial success factors as well as special recommendations for the areas of governance, strategy and technology are developed. These recommendations are based on intensive expert interviews, in-depth analyzes and the findings from the “AI in the Classroom” pilot project. “With the rapidly changing job market heavily influenced by technologies like AI, we need to empower teachers to give students the core skills they need for the digital future,” says Sophie Glusac, Partner and Managing Director at Kearney.

Need for an AI strategy in education

A central theme in this discussion is the importance of a well-thought-out AI strategy. This strategy should be specifically aimed at achieving a measurable increase in the quality of education. “Technology should always have the purpose of improving learning,” Glusac explains. The challenges that exist in today's educational system - such as the lack of teachers or the different learning speeds of students - could be significantly alleviated through the use of AI.

Successful integration of AI requires a well-structured central control level that defines clear processes and responsibilities. Currently, this responsibility is largely borne by individual schools, which often leads to excessive demands, especially given the complexity and novelty of the technologies.

Another important point is the secure and transparent processing of data. AI systems can only work in a suitable environment if they have access to appropriately secured data. Clarifying transparency is essential: everyone involved should know what data is being used, why it is being collected and who has access to it. This requires a basic digital infrastructure that enables the use of AI, as well as the adaptation of AI tools to the educational context, taking into account the GDPR and the EU AI Act. Compliance with these legal framework conditions should be checked centrally, for example by the state education ministries.

DKJS’s commitment to AI in education

The German Children and Youth Foundation has been committed to preparing young people in Germany for a self-determined life for over 30 years. She is an expert in the field of education and has initiated numerous change processes aimed at the current challenges of the education system, including issues surrounding AI. “We want to show sensible uses of AI in education and support educational professionals in introducing them,” explains Frank Hinte, managing director of DKJS.

Through programs such as “AI in the Classroom”, the DKJS collects valuable experience and collaboratively develops new approaches to help schools and civil society actors use the possibilities of AI. To achieve this, financial and human resources as well as suitable formats for exchange are necessary. These resources must be made available quickly at federal and state levels to ensure that all young people acquire the important future skills they need in the digital age.

The recommendations for action are available free of charge to anyone interested and can be downloaded using the corresponding link. This is intended to provide teachers and schools with a basis for integrating AI into lessons in a meaningful and effective way. The information and recommendations collected aim to promote future-oriented education and give students the skills they need for an increasingly digital world.

These developments mark a decisive step towards a modern and adaptable education system in Germany that meets the requirements of the digital age. Reporting on this significant progress is critical to inspiring and galvanizing the various stakeholders in the education community to take action. Further information can be found in the current media reports, according to information from www.presseportal.de.