1 December 2023

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) has welcomed the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools released by federal Minister for Education Jason Clare today.

Director of Learning and Regional Services, Dr Mary Oski said the framework aligns strongly with MACS’ work to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning practice across its 296 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

‘We take a “safety first, learning always” approach to new technologies, consistent with our holistic view of education, embedding them where appropriate to enhance relationships and learning.

‘The focus of the new framework on teaching and learning outcomes, human and social wellbeing, transparency, fairness and accountability, along with safety and security, aligns strongly with our approach’, she said.

Dr Oski said MACS’ initial priority is to ensure teachers are digitally confident before further considering how AI can be best used to enhance learning in schools.

‘We have been working closely with digital learning leaders in schools for several months to better understand how teachers and students are already experimenting with content creation and assessment design using AI.

‘There are of course legitimate concerns about AI, with issues such as academic integrity, plagiarism checkers and ethical use of others’ work where no consent has been given, particularly in the creative industries.

‘We want to be sure our teachers are well trained in their responsibilities with regard to safety, ethics and standards, in addition to copyright and privacy legislation.

‘The national framework now provides further guidance for this work’, she said.

Dr Oski said the MACS 2030 vision for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Melbourne is for every student to be ‘inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world’.

‘It is vital for our students that we take a future-focused view of the potential of AI, but in a way that ensures they benefit from it safely and ethically.

‘We have appreciated opportunities to engage in the consultation process to develop the national framework and welcome the commitment that it be reviewed at least annually’, Dr Oski said.

MACS operates 296 Catholic primary and secondary schools, educating more than 114,000 (or around 20% of all) students.

Media contact: Gerard Delaney on 0413 274 176 or gdelaney@macs.vic.edu.au

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