IFUT General Secretary Frank Jones attended the inaugural meeting of the Education International (EI) AI and Technology Network in Madrid on 29–30 June, joining teacher union representatives from around the world to examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education.
The opening day of the meeting focused on one of the defining issues facing education today: safeguarding and strengthening the student–teacher relationship in an era of rapidly evolving AI technologies. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of society, keynote speakers stressed that educators and their trade unions are not powerless. Instead, they argued that the profession has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help shape how AI is used in education so that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human teaching.
Reflecting on the discussions, Frank Jones noted that the higher education sector is not beginning this transition from an ideal position.
"One of the greatest challenges we face in Ireland is that our student-to-teacher ratios already compare poorly with OECD averages. Academic staff are under increasing pressure, yet the relationship between students and educators remains at the heart of effective teaching and learning. If we are serious about protecting that relationship, we must also address the conditions that allow it to flourish."
Jones also highlighted the importance of ensuring that educational priorities are not dictated solely by commercial interests.
"The interests of those developing AI technologies are not always aligned with the interests of educators, students or society. It is therefore essential that academic staff, their representative organisations and the education sector as a whole play an active role in shaping how these technologies are adopted. AI must support education, not redefine it according to commercial priorities."
The second day of the meeting explored practical approaches being adopted by Education International member organisations to ensure that teachers remain central to education as AI becomes more prevalent. While several contributors highlighted positive applications of AI in classrooms and lecture theatres, most emphasised the need for robust safeguards, professional judgement and human oversight. Across the discussions there was broad agreement that, although AI is now a permanent feature of education, it cannot replace the expertise, care and professional relationships that educators bring to the learning environment.
The meeting reinforced the view that AI should be developed and implemented in ways that strengthen teaching and learning, rather than diminish the vital role of educators.
Building on this work, IFUT is partnering with our colleagues in the TUI to host a national symposium in early November examining the impact of generative AI on assessment across Ireland's higher education sector. The event will bring together academics, researchers and sectoral experts to explore both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in teaching, learning and assessment.
Further details of the symposium will be announced in the coming weeks.