During a dynamic session during the recent A file conference, Peter Kilcoyne, the visionary CEO of TeacherMatic, led a fascinating session on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Peter’s presentation offered a new perspective on how AI is transforming teaching and learning.
Peter has worked in further and higher education since 1986 as a teacher, curriculum manager and director of learning technology. He is best known for creating the Blended Learning Consortium in 2015, which has grown to include more than 160 higher education institutions working together to develop online content and share best practices in all things digital .
In addition to his work in the UK, Peter has worked on a range of international projects providing on-site support and training in the use of learning management systems and blended learning at universities in Ethiopia , Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya and Zambia in partnership with Computeraid International. Peter is currently leading a World Bank-funded project to develop a blended learning strategy for the Ministry of Education in Jordan. Peter is the Managing Director of Innovative Learning Technologies Ltd. The company behind the TeacherMatic AI platform. Since its launch in April 2023, TeacherMatic has been adopted by more than 150 colleges, schools, universities and other education providers.
Efficiency and creativity
The conference was lively as Peter highlighted AI-based solutions designed to reduce teachers’ workload and boost their creative abilities. With a focus on efficiency, creativity and data-driven insights, Peter showed how AI is enabling teachers to move beyond traditional boundaries, providing a glimpse into the future.
Innovations that save teachers time
Peter provided real-world examples of how AI can save teachers a lot of time by automating administrative tasks and lesson planning. TeacherMatic users, for example, report saving an average of 3.8 hours per week. This allows teachers to focus more on promoting student engagement and learning. AI-powered tools can generate new ideas for learning activities, assessments, and classroom interactions, helping teachers keep their lessons dynamic and engaging, and avoid the monotony that can result from teaching the same material year after year.
Responsible AI
Peter did not hesitate to address concerns regarding AI adoption. He highlighted the importance of responsible implementation and ethical considerations, which provide reassurance and inspire confidence in the potential of AI. He urged educators to adopt these technologies to improve their teaching practices and better support their students.
Embracing the future of education
At the end of the session, participants left with a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future of education. Peter’s visionary ideas not only captivated audiences, but also ignited a collective drive to embrace the promise of AI and lead the charge toward educational innovation.
In the ever-changing education landscape, one thing is clear: the future of education is here, and it’s powered by AI.
