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Using Generative AI in Education

Explore the place of generative artificial intelligence tools in education settings and how educators can utilise these tools to support workload and learning.

While student’s AI usage will be discussed, the main focus will be on teacher utilisation. Over three sessions you will look the literature and policies that discuss GenAI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. You will explore how to use the tools for a range of benefits and examine cautions and challenges to consider when using these tools in education.

The course will be delivered by Sam Lovatt, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education and the Subject Knowledge Lead for Primary Computing at St Mary's University. Sam is currently leading a a research project at St Mary's on the topic of generative AI within the education sector.

St Mary’s School of Education offers longstanding excellence in professional learning, which is affirmed by our reputation for education degrees, active research centres, and 'outstanding' delivery of initial teacher education. 

Date and Time 

The course will run over three twilight sessions from 4pm to 5.30pm on:

  • Monday 27th January 2025
  • Monday 17th March 2025
  • Monday 19th May 2025.

Location 

The course will be held at our main campus, Twickenham. If you are unable to attend in person, there is the option to join via a live Zoom session.

Price 

The full course cost is £180.

Content 

Whilst enrolled upon the course you will gain an overview of Generative AI within an education setting.

The course has been designed for teachers and has the aim of providing a sound understanding of the area, while equipping you with the confidence and skills to utilise the tools for personal practice.

The course explores:

  • how Generative AI tools can support lesson planning and preparation
  • the tools that generate a range of content and how they can support teacher workload
  • the challenges that GenAI tools present.

The first session will focus on an introduction to the research and what the DfE policy suggests and will conclude with some practice modelling.

Session two will focus on structure exploration of the text generating tools with specific creative examples, such as quiz creation and turning the tool into a famous person. You will learn how to refine your prompts and create an action plan for how to utilise the tools.

The final session will include exploration of wider tools that do not just generate text, plus how to write a school policy and consider introducing these tools in a school context.

Throughout the course you will have time to reflect and create a personal action plan for how to best utilise the tools in future practice.

Requirements 

To enrol on this short course, you must be a teacher or leader in a primary or secondary school. You do not need to be a computing specialist to attend the course, it is open to all teaching staff.

Award 

This short course is accredited by CPD UK. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance from St Mary’s University.

Book your place now

For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses Team: