Digital-k (Digi-Talk)
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 , 21 July 2023, page no.22
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents many exciting opportunities, but also many challenges that will require ongoing monitoring and response. The pace of change in the field of AI is rapid and the QTU will continue to work to ensure that the professional and industrial rights of our members are safeguarded in this fast-changing digital age.
Currently, a National AI Taskforce is reviewing the impact of AI in schools. This taskforce is expected to deliver guidelines for schools across Australia in Term 3. In the meantime, the Queensland Al Working Group (QAWG), chaired by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, has been established to explore the opportunities, impacts and risks associated with Al. This includes members from the Department of Education, non-state schooling sectors and principal associations, as well as QTU representation. This group will help to inform Queensland’s contribution to national work being undertaken by the National AI Taskforce.
In the absence of AI guidelines in education, the QTU and the Independent Education Union - Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT) have collaborated to develop a Queensland framework to guide professional decision making in relation to AI and other digital technologies (http://www.qtu.asn.au/application/files/5116/8661/5472/Joint_IEU-QNTQTU_AI_position_paper_3_2.pdf)
Key points to remember when using artificial intelligence at your workplace.
- All reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the user complies with their obligations to protect student data.
- The user must also ensure that any information shared with AI is of a general nature and does not identify students or workplace and/or government agencies.
Not only is the QTU leading in the conversations and action around AI in Queensland, we also remain heavily invested in understanding how technology will shape the future of our profession across the nation and internationally.
As such, we have kept the Australian Education Union (AEU) informed of the work we are undertaking in Queensland, and that we have been agitating for a teacher voice at the national arena. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the AEU, to ensure teacher voices are heard and represented in the national and federal space.