Luigi Pessina
Director, Global Education Segment, Intel
Bogdan Pop
High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Intel
Brian Horsburgh
UK Education Sales Director, Dell
The teaching profession is under pressure like never before. However, new AI-powered technology can help boost their productivity and bring joy back into the classroom.
Worldwide, education systems are under pressure. Tight budgets, lack of training and staff shortages mean that teachers are expected to achieve more with fewer resources, putting their careers, wellbeing — and profession — under stress. And when teachers suffer, pupils suffer. Lessons become a chore and learning loses its appeal.
“This isn’t just a UK problem,” says Luigi Pessina, Director of Global Education Segment at technology provider, Intel. “From a global perspective, we’re seeing similar trends in teacher challenges. Teachers are burnt out. They want to be creative and spend more time on student interactions — not administrative tasks.”
Bogdan Pop, High Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence Specialist at Intel, agrees. He notes the problem is so acute, it’s driving teachers from the profession. “But their replacements will be in exactly the same situation when they burn out,” says Bogdan. “So, we have to ask: ‘what are we trying to solve here?’”
This is where the latest edtech innovations can make a difference, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI). “We’ve developed AI-powered tools that support the automation of routine admin tasks and save teachers time,” says Luigi. “In fact, a McKinsey report1 states that teachers can save up to 13 hours per week by using AI tools.”
AI solutions can help with lesson planning, attendance taking,
personalisation of educational materials and supporting students with special educational needs.
Boosting productivity and student engagement
AI solutions can help with lesson planning, attendance taking, personalisation of educational materials and supporting students with special educational needs. Plus, they can assist with analysing tests and assignments to better understand individual pupil performance and enable teachers to give near real-time feedback. This has the power to deliver educational change that’s truly sustainable, boosting productivity, increasing student engagement and putting joy back into the classroom.
“Teachers can also utilise AI to ensure the information they’re teaching is accurate and the curriculum is being followed the right way,” says Brian Horsburgh, UK Sales Director at technology company Dell Technologies. “Of course, AI isn’t the answer on its own — it needs to work in sync with teacher collaboration and is about increasing educational outcomes for students.”
AI adoption must be done safely and securely. Data sovereignty — including pupils’ names, addresses, educational needs and parental environment — is paramount. “We’re seeing schools start to implement AI by creating policies that support ethical, responsible engagement with this technology,” says Luigi. And when it comes to overcoming cost barriers to rollout, flexible financing is often available so that solutions can align with budget availability.
Helping integrate technology skills into the classroom
Dell and Intel have also joined forces with educational institutions — and each other — to deliver two important initiatives: Ed360 and Intel Skills for Innovation(SFI).
Brian describes Ed360 as “a central depository… a free to access, comprehensive, future-ready platform for students, educators, IT admins and leadership”, where users can learn from industry experts and explore best practice via webinars, podcasts and more.
Meanwhile, Intel SFI is an online professional development platform and support initiative developed in response to a growing need for digital literacy among pupils. Designed to give educators the skills to integrate future-ready technology and innovative teaching practices into classrooms, it aims to transform the learning process, improve lessons and empower students to thrive in a digital world.
It seems to be making a difference. A report from Harvard University found that 85% of teachers who took advantage of the programme said it made them more confident using technology in the classroom, while 92% of student respondents reported that they were more engaged and interested in class activities when they used new technology as part of the Intel SFI programme.2
Thanks to innovations like these, teachers don’t have to feel isolated. “I know that can be an issue because of the conversations I’ve had with teachers”, says Bogdan. “They can be by themselves at times, trying to construct lesson plans and not have anyone to ask if they have a question. Now, they have a platform and a technology that offers a helping hand. It doesn’t replace teachers — it helps them.”
Nevertheless, AI is clearly the biggest disruption the education sector has ever faced. “So, it will take all of us — school leadership, teachers, parents and organisations like us — to get this right,” says Bogdan. “We all have to be aware of the potential of AI, and how it can best be implemented. If we do, we have a great opportunity to make it a really fantastic experience.”
[1] Bryant, J. et al. 2020. How artificial intelligence will impact K-12 teachers. McKinsey
[2] Pereira, V. et al. 2024. Skills for innovation impact report. Intel.
