The Open University has been announced as the leading strategic partner in a new generative AI initiative being launched in partnership with the Department for Education. A new optimised content store will be made available, comprising teaching standards, guidelines and lesson plans that will ‘train’ generative AI to make these components more reliable for teachers in England.
The £3 million project comes as recent research shows parents want teachers to use AI to reduce out of hours work and boost time spent teaching children. Bringing teachers and tech companies together, the initiative aims to develop and use trustworthy AI tools that can help mark homework and plan lessons, saving teachers time.
The Open University is sharing its learning resources to be drawn on as part of the project. Its open-access and distance learning model has applied the use of AI to support students for over 10 years. This is framed by the OU’s founding social mission to promote educational opportunities and social justice to all, reflecting the government’s goal to break economic barriers and encourage growth.
Martha Lane-Fox, Chancellor of The Open University, said:
“At The Open University, we are excited to advance education through innovative and responsible technology. This project perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance learning by integrating high-quality educational resources with AI systems. We look forward to collaborating with the tech sector and the UK Government to make AI a positive force in education. Our goal is to ensure that these tools are not only efficient and reliable but also uphold the highest standards of safety. By doing so, we aim to transform educational technology, making learning more personalised and impactful for all students.”
Through the OU’s scale and reach to all parts of the country and to all communities, it aims to help learners access and benefit from the advancements in education that Generative AI has the potential to deliver.
Professor Ian Pickup, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Students at The Open University, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with the Department for Education on this groundbreaking initiative. Since our establishment in 1969, The Open University has consistently led in educational innovation. Our OpenLearn platform, offering free and open-access materials since 2006, exemplifies our commitment to accessible education. With the integration of AI, we aim to further personalise learning experiences, ensuring that educational resources are tailored to individual needs, appropriately challenging, and supportive of each student’s unique learning pace. This project represents a significant step towards making high-quality education even more accessible and effective for all learners.”
The project was announced by Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, during a speech to international education ministers at the Global Education Innovation Summit (GEIS) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
