Use of ai by schools.

Law and rules

When using AI in education, laws apply, such as the GDPR. Schools must handle personal data carefully. Since 2024, the European AI regulation is also active. This law helps keep AI systems safe and protect basic rights. Some uses in education are seen as ‘high risk’, for example when AI is used to judge learning performance or decide education levels. Extra rules apply, like transparency and risk limits. These rules will be added step by step in the next years.

How schools use AI

Schools can use AI in many ways to support education. AI can help follow study progress, check learning results, and adjust lessons to the student’s level. AI can also help teachers with admin tasks, lesson planning, or creating lesson material. It is important that schools understand how these systems work and that AI is used as a tool, not to replace the teacher.

Policy and transparency

Schools differ in how they use AI. Some have clear agreements and policy, others are still making these. It is important that schools are open about AI use and record how and why this technology is used. This helps make things clear for students, parents, and staff.

Benefits of AI in education

AI can support education in different ways. It can help teachers by making some tasks easier, like checking learning results or preparing lessons. Also, AI can give better insight into student development and help adjust education to individual needs. When AI is used carefully and teachers stay in control, it can be a valuable addition to education.

Risks and points to notice

Along with benefits, there are also risks when using AI. It is often unclear how AI systems make decisions, which can make it hard to check decisions. There is also a risk that schools depend too much on commercial providers or that student data is not well protected. Errors or bias in AI systems can lead to unequal treatment of students. That is why schools must stay critical, have enough knowledge, and set clear rules for using AI.

Use of AI by students

Students use AI more often as a tool for their schoolwork. This can help them understand lessons, improve texts, or practice tasks. At the same time, there is a risk students rely too much on AI, for example when they copy answers without understanding them or think less for themselves. That is why AI should be used to support learning, not to replace the student’s own thinking.