How can you manage concerns about AI within your team?

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can be hugely beneficial to the education sector, with teachers now able to streamline their administrative responsibilities and provide educational programs that are tailored to suit the individual needs of their students. Despite the advantages of using AI, such advanced technology can cause concern amongst workforces, particularly where teachers are used to relying on more traditional methods in their practices. Emery Walsh, consultant and researcher, sheds some light on ensuring a smooth introduction to the many benefits of AI

AI education

It’s normal for a team to feel concerned about technology they don’t understand, and while most people will have some idea of what AI is, the vast majority won’t have received the training required to know exactly how it works or the benefits that it can offer.

By developing an AI-specific training program for your workforce, you can introduce the technology in a way that is accessible to your team. You could even give access to AI programs for a more hands-on approach to learning – this is a great way to help your team get to grips with how it works before making use of it to educate others. By introducing your team to AI in a way that is educational and informative, you’re likely to find that the software is much more positively received.

Open communication

Being open and honest about your intentions for AI in the workplace is essential for building trust with your team. In fact, educating your workforce on AI means also being open to answer any questions or concerns that they may have moving forward. You’ll want your team to always feel that they’re receiving the most up to date information, and that any questions they have are valid and welcomed.

You’ll want to make sure that you’re as upfront as possible about how AI is going to change the landscape of the workplace, and what daily tasks may look like once it’s implemented. For example, letting your team know that they’ll be using AI to grade papers, or create lesson plans. Or, that students will have access to the software at home in order to catch up with any lessons they may have missed.

If you’re entirely open and honest about your plans, including any setbacks that may be faced during the implementation stages, your team will feel better prepared for the upcoming transition – and are much more likely to accept the change as a result.

A reliable strategy

Once you’ve communicated your AI plans to your team, you’ll need to back them up with a reliable implementation strategy. You’ll want to make this a detailed, step-by-step guide for the rollout of your software.

As long as you give your team enough time and information, they’ll be able to offer helpful feedback and could even identify any gaps in your plans. Plus, it’s likely to become easier for them to rely on the decisions that have been made, and to better understand how AI will benefit the team as a whole.

Ultimately, a strategy is all about solidifying your intentions and making your goals practical and attainable. The more your team can see that your plans for AI implementation are well founded, the less likely they are to have concerns about the change.

By embracing AI and implementing comprehensive strategies, SBLs can harness the power of technology to enhance education, streamline administrative tasks, and create personalised learning experiences that empower both teachers and students for success in the digital age.