Primary Schools Left To Their Own Devices When It Comes To AI

A new report from NZCER has identified key issues around AI use in primary school in New Zealand – primarily the urgent need for clear, supportive policy on AI in education.

Generative artificial intelligence in New Zealand primary schools—Teacher and student survey findings presents responses from 266 teachers and 147 Year 6-8 students, painting a picture of current AI use in schools. Key findings include:

Surveyed primary teachers were experimenting widely with generative AI tools, chiefly for lesson planning, assessment design, and personalising learning materials.

More than half of surveyed students say they are using generative AI, primarily outside of school

Most primary schools surveyed did not have AI policies for students or teachers.

Fewer than half of the teachers report feeling confident teaching responsible AI use, and 85% wanted more training in how to use these tools.

Students primarily used AI tools for chatting, drawing images, fixing writing and getting homework ideas.

“Even with a sample of students and teachers already interested in AI, the picture is clear – AI use is widespread in primary schools, and has been for some time,” notes report author David Coblentz.

“But right now it is an unclear space that urgently needs support – teachers often don’t have the appropriate training, they are often using the free models that are more prone to error and bias, and there is a dire need for guidance on best practice for using AI in the primary classroom.”

A key part of this guidance, Coblentz adds, should focus on critical literacy when it comes to AI.

“Teachers need culturally supportive, centralised policy and guidance on safe and ethical use of AI in the classroom. Part of this needs to be integrating critical literacy for students – helping them understand exactly what these tools are, their inbuilt biases and how to think critically about what something like ChatGPT produces.”

And in the meantime, Coblentz suggests there is one simple thing that every school can do immediately to improve privacy of information and quality of AI tool use.

“Free AI tools are too error-prone and bias-laden, yet they are the main tools of this kind used in our classrooms. Supporting teachers to use more capable versions of generative AI tools would reduce some of the risks involved in their use.”

About the report:

Generative artificial intelligence in New Zealand primary schools—Teacher and student survey findings presents responses to a survey, conducted in late 2024, that gathered responses from 266 primary school teachers and 147 Year 5-8 students. Respondents self-selected, so the sample is not representative and is weighted towards those already interested in AI tool use.

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