Riding the AI Wave
How BCoT is Preparing Students for the Future (as featured on the BBC).
"The tide is coming in. You can't hold it back," college principal Anthony Bravo reflects on the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on teaching and learning.
"The tide is coming in. You can't hold it back," reflects Anthony Bravo, Principal of Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education. This insight, shared in a recent interview with the BBC for the South Today programme, highlights BCoT's proactive approach to integrating AI into its learning environment. Rather than resisting this wave of change, BCoT is embracing it, equipping students and staff with the skills to navigate the AI landscape responsibly and effectively.
As highlighted by the BBC coverage, gone are the days when AI was a "taboo subject" whispered about in hushed tones. At BCoT, AI is now integrated into the curriculum, teaching students not only how to use these powerful tools but also how to recognise AI-generated content. This forward-thinking approach acknowledges the reality of AI's growing presence in the professional world and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities it presents.
The impetus for this shift came, in part, from former students like Benjamin Miller, as the BBC reported. Initially frustrated by witnessing classmates using AI to generate assignments in minutes that took him hours, Benjamin's perspective has evolved. Now working as a technology assistant at the college, he plays a key role in helping both staff and students integrate AI into their learning and teaching practices.
"I saw my classmates using it and they were using it to basically generate a whole assignment which I spent ten hours doing at home… in five minutes,” Benjamin recalls, a sentiment echoed in the BBC's interview. This experience highlighted the need for clear guidelines and education around AI usage.
BCoT has responded by establishing clear "dos and don'ts" for AI use. Students are encouraged to leverage AI for tasks like fact-checking and brainstorming starting points for assignments. However, using AI to write entire assignments or generate bibliographies is strictly prohibited. This balanced approach promotes responsible use while preventing academic dishonesty.
The impact of AI extends beyond the student experience. BCoT's teaching staff are also harnessing AI to streamline their workflow. Tools are being used to create presentations and plan lessons, saving an estimated five hours of preparation time per week. This allows educators to focus more on direct student interaction and personalized learning.
Tutor Jack Roche emphasises the importance of addressing the potential pitfalls of AI head-on, a point he made clear in his interview with the BBC. "The con is obvious - are they going to take it a step too far? Are they going to use it to replace the work, replace them, replace the knowledge?" he asks. He argues that education is the key to mitigating these risks. "With most things in society, ignoring it is not going to help the problem. We have to talk to them and confront them directly."
Principal Bravo echoes this sentiment, stating in his BBC interview that it would be "foolish" for students not to engage with AI. "The tide is coming in. You cannot hold it back, and if you do not take account of it, it will wash over you."
By embracing AI and providing comprehensive education, as showcased in our BBC appearance, BCoT is not just preparing students for the future – it's empowering them to shape it. The college is riding the AI wave, ensuring its students are equipped to not just survive, but thrive, in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Read the BBC News article here.
