AI in Education: Conversation Partners, Marking and More
amsterdam, maandag, 23 juni 2025.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing education by serving as a conversation partner, marking essays, and assisting in the development of school policies. Teachers experience time savings, and students receive a personalised learning experience, but ethical issues and safety risks require careful application. The Congress on Working with AI in Education on 6 October 2025 provides insights into these developments and practical applications.
AI as a Conversation Partner and Marking Assistant
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in education to enrich the learning experience and reduce teachers’ workloads. One example of this is the use of AI as a conversation partner for students. Sander van Acht, an e-learning and blended learning developer, explains: ‘I use AI as a conversation partner for my students. This way, they learn to order food in English with AI acting as the waiter.’ [3] Additionally, AI helps in marking essays. Thijmen Sprakel, a VMBO teacher and podcaster, emphasises: ‘I use AI to check essays for grammar and spelling. This saves me a tremendous amount of time.’ [3]
Practical Applications and Inspiration
The Congress on Working with AI in Education, scheduled for Monday, 6 October, offers a platform for teachers, instructors, team and department leaders, school leaders, and care workers from primary, secondary, and vocational education to discuss the possibilities and risks of AI. The programme includes plenary sessions and sub-sessions, such as ‘Getting Started with AI in Your Teaching’, ‘Building Your Ideal Assistant with AI’, and ‘Assessment and AI in Secondary Education’. [3] Speakers like Sander van Acht, Klaartje Schüngel, Thijmen Sprakel, Barend Last, and Leon Anasagasti share their expertise and experiences.
Responsible Use and Ethical Issues
While AI offers many benefits, there are also ethical issues and safety risks. Klaartje Schüngel, who discusses the impact of AI manipulation via social media on the behaviour and well-being of children and young people, highlights the need for responsible use. [3] It is crucial that teachers and schools are aware of the potential consequences of AI applications and take measures to protect the privacy and safety of students. An example of the seriousness of these issues is the recent case of a middle school teacher in Florida who was arrested for using AI to generate child pornography using photos of students. [2][4] This incident underscores the need for strict regulation and oversight.
Personalised Learning Paths and Inclusion
AI contributes to the personalisation of the learning process, which can help reduce inequality of opportunity. At schools like Agora, traditional school subjects are being replaced by world research, and homework and tests are being abolished. Students create a personal learning path based on their own desires, questions, and interests. [7] This system appears to work positively against inequality of opportunity, stress, and performance pressure. Although theoretically, parents who have studied should not make a difference, it does appear to be the case in practice. [7]
Evaluation and Integration of AI Literacy
An important aspect of integrating AI into education is promoting AI literacy. On 22 June 2025, edWeb is organising an EdLeader Panel with experts from Renaissance and Common Sense Education, focused on building AI literacy in every classroom. [5] The panellists present four practical strategies for evaluating AI-focused lessons for different age groups and integrating AI literacy with digital citizenship and critical thinking. Jennifer Ehehalt, Senior Regional Manager at Common Sense Education, stresses the importance of teachers in guiding students towards responsible use of AI technology. [5]