Series: Artificial Intelligence, Leadership and the Future of Further Education

Hosts:

• Richard Foster-Fletcher, Executive Chair, MKAI.org
• Jaisal Surana, Head of Advocacy, MKAI.org

Guest:

• Sir Anthony Seldon, Head Master, Epsom College

Guest Bios:

Sir Anthony Seldon: Sir Anthony Francis Seldon is a prominent British educator, contemporary historian, and author known for his significant contributions to education and political history. Sir Anthony is currently the Head Master of Epsom College. He previously served as the 13th Master of Wellington College and was Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham from 2015 to 2020.

A prolific author, Sir Anthony has written or edited more than 45 books, including political biographies of every British Prime Minister from John Major to Boris Johnson. His works are noted for their insightful analysis and detailed research, contributing significantly to contemporary historical literature.

In education, Sir Anthony is widely recognised for his innovative approaches. He introduced happiness and well-being classes at Wellington College, advocating for a holistic approach to education that encompasses emotional and social development alongside academic achievement. His leadership in promoting the International Baccalaureate and personalised learning has been influential in modernising educational practices in the UK and beyond.

Beyond his educational roles, Sir Anthony co-founded the Centre for Contemporary British History and the charity Action for Happiness. He is also a governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company and serves on the boards of several other charities and educational bodies. Knighted in 2014 for services to education and modern political history, Sir Anthony continues to be a leading voice in educational reform and historical scholarship. His recent focus includes integrating AI into education to enhance personalised learning and resilience in students.

Episode Overview:

In this special live episode of "The Transformative Impact of AI in Education," we explore the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of further education. This episode brings together insights from Sir Anthony Seldon and Richard Foster-Fletcher, along with guests from the MKAI.org community. The discussion delves into how AI technologies like machine learning, personalised learning algorithms, and adaptive educational software are reshaping educational practices. We discuss the historical context of educational revolutions, the unique qualities of human intelligence, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education.

Key Topics of Discussion:

1. The transformative potential of AI compared to historical technological advancements.
2. The importance of learning from history in shaping AI's role in education.
3. Balancing human intelligence and AI in modern educational systems.
4. The challenges and opportunities AI presents for teachers and students.
5. The ethical implications and practical implementation of AI in education.

Key 'Takeaway' Ideas:

1. AI has the potential to revolutionise education in ways comparable to the printing press and internal combustion engine.
2. A balanced approach that integrates AI while emphasising human qualities is essential for modernising education.
3. Teachers play a crucial role in maintaining human elements in education, especially for younger students.
4. AI can provide significant benefits for personalised learning, particularly for students with special educational needs.
5. International cooperation and ethical considerations are vital in harnessing AI's potential for the betterment of education.