Latest news with #digital divide
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
The new reason state schools are falling behind private schools
State schools are significantly behind private institutions in embracing artificial intelligence, a new survey reveals, prompting calls for government action to bridge a growing "digital divide" among pupils. A report by the social mobility charity Sutton Trust indicates that independent schools, often in wealthier areas, possess greater resources and can afford to invest in more sophisticated AI solutions. The findings, drawn from a Teacher Tapp poll of over 10,000 teachers across England, show a stark contrast: 45 per cent of private school teachers have received formal AI training, compared to just 21 per cent in state schools – more than double the rate. The report highlights that private schools are "ahead of the game" on setting AI policies, dedicating staff to oversee its use, and providing comprehensive training and resources. Further disparities emerged in AI usage, with 17 per cent of state school teachers reporting no AI use whatsoever, against only 8 per cent in private schools. Moreover, private schools are three times more likely to have a clear, school-wide strategy for staff AI integration (27 per cent vs 9 per cent). The Sutton Trust is now urging the Government to intervene and ensure all pupils can access the benefits of AI, addressing this widening gap. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of state school teachers said they were not at all confident using AI tools in their role, compared to just 15 per cent of private school teachers, the poll suggested. Private school teachers were more likely than their state school peers to use AI for a number of tasks – including writing pupil reports (29 per cent vs 11 per cent), communicating with parents (19 per cent vs 11 per cent) and marking (12 per cent vs 7 per cent). The survey also found gaps within the state sector as teachers in schools with the most affluent intakes were more likely to report having had formal AI training than those with the least affluent (26 per cent vs 18 per cent). The charity is calling on the Government to closely monitor any inequalities in access and use of AI between schools. The Sutton Trust report said: 'Private schools or those in wealthier areas are likely to have greater access to resources, and therefore be able to afford to invest both time and money in more sophisticated AI solutions.' It added: 'Action is urgently needed by Government to ensure that AI acts as a gap-closer, rather than a further factor that exacerbates the already growing attainment gap between poorer students and their better-off peers.' Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said: 'It's startling how rapidly an AI digital divide is opening up in schools. 'This is a crucial time in integrating AI tools into teaching, yet private schools, and some of the most affluent state schools, are already forging ahead in a sort of digital wild west. 'If this isn't quickly tackled head on, schools serving the most disadvantaged pupils risk falling further behind. 'These tools can provide a range of benefits to overworked teachers, but their use is spread unevenly, with inequalities in training and appropriate guidance and monitoring. 'If action isn't taken to close these widening gaps, access to AI risks becoming the next major barrier to opportunity for disadvantaged young people. 'The type of school you go to shouldn't determine your chances of benefiting from AI in education.' Julie McCulloch, director of strategy and policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'We cannot afford to have AI technology in education descend into yet another example of haves and have-nots. 'The fact is that the technology, training and resources needed to utilise AI are expensive and require time and sufficient staffing. 'This puts schools at a disadvantage where these things are in short supply. 'We recognise that the Government is taking some steps to support the sector with the development of AI but schools are battling against the twin problems of funding and staffing crises which leaves many overwhelmed. 'We need to see a much more sustained and strategic investment in schools and colleges which gives them time to breathe and allows them to harness the potential benefits of this technology.'
Arab News
5 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide
GENEVA: Saudi Arabia's minister of communications and IT has called for 'decisive international collaboration' to address the inequality in computing infrastructure that could leave other nations behind in this era of artificial intelligence. In a keynote address at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha cited the 'concentration of computing power in a few regions, the lack of AI infrastructure in many countries, and the limited participation of the Global South in shaping governance frameworks and regulatory policies.' 'Today, the world faces an 'existential gap' due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies,' the minister said, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Alswaha said the world could learn lessons from the past phases of technological transformation: the analog era, which took over a century to connect 800 million people, and the digital era, which linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years but still left 2.6 billion unconnected. In the AI era, he said, current gaps exist in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms that could slow the advances needed to support human progress. Al-Swaha reiterated Saudi Arabia's 'unwavering commitment' to support and lead international efforts to close the emerging technological divides. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts to address these gaps, citing the digital empowerment of women in the Kingdom — who now have a participation rate of about 35 percent — and the Kingdom's top global rankings in digital competitiveness for two consecutive years. He also noted that researchers at Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) rank among the top one percent globally in scientific citations, offering hope for the future of AI. He likewise underlined the Kingdom's progress in data protection regulations and the development of 'language models that promote inclusive access to technology for diverse communities.' Al-Swaha further cited the HUMAIN project launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman "to provide the full spectrum of AI capabilities, from advanced processors to top talent, and to position the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer." 'The Kingdom's efforts are a direct response to urgent global challenges,' he said. Al-Swaha emphasized that the next 10 years will be critical for bridging the divides. He called for multination 'partnerships under the umbrella of the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being.'
