{"id":7,"date":"2025-07-17T13:27:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T12:27:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/glowblogs\/digilearnscot25\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2025-09-15T12:49:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T11:49:23","slug":"artificial-intelligence-in-scottish-education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/glowblogs\/digilearnscot25\/artificial-intelligence-in-scottish-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Artificial Intelligence in Scottish Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The World of AI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our world, and education is no exception.This guide is designed to help you, as a Scottish educator, understand the basics of AI, machine learning, and generative AI, and explore how these technologies might impact your practice. We\u2019ll break down the jargon and focus on practical applications relevant to Scottish Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re new to this! This page is a starting point, and we\u2019ll focus on clear, simple explanations. We\u2019re here to help you feel confident and informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

We have made an AI Readiness Self Evaluation <\/strong>tool which has been designed to help schools understand where they currently are, and what they might want to prioritise in terms of AI use in their setting. You can find the tool below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
AI Readiness Schools Evaluation Tool<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Scottish AI in Schools Recap<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Below are recaps of Scottish AI in Schools week that took place in 2024 and 2025:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Scottish AI in Schools<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Demystifying the Terminology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

“All GenerativeAI is AI, but not all AI is GenerativeAI”<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What’s the Difference? AI, Machine Learning, and Generative AI Explained<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Artificial Intelligence (AI)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

AI<\/strong> is the broad concept of machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Intelligence<\/strong> is not a new technology, in fact, as far back as 1956, the term Artificial Intelligence<\/em> was first used. To learn more about the Evolution of AI, visit our dedicated page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
The Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Think of AI<\/strong> as any technology that can carry out task that would normally require human intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, imagine a calculator that can do more than just add and subtract. It can analyse large datasets to find patterns \u2013 that’s a simple form of AI<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Key Message:<\/strong> AI is the overarching <\/em><\/strong>term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Machine Learning (ML)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Machine learning<\/strong> is a subset of AI where computers learn from data without being explicitly programmed. They improve their performance over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think of it as a pupil learning from practice tests. The more tests they take, the better they understand the material. ML systems do the same with data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples for Education:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Systems that can analyse pupil performance data to identify areas where they may need extra support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Software that can help to mark multiple choice tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    Real-Life Examples:<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • When a streaming service recommends new shows based on your previous viewing habits, that is a form of AI that improves with the more shows you watch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
      <\/span>\"Fig
      \n

      Fig 1. A streaming service showing recommended shows<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • When an online retailer recommends products based on your previous purchases or those made by others who bought a similar item it using Machine Learning to build an overview of what you may wish to purchase next.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>\"Fig
        \n

        Fig 2. An online retailer showing recommended items to purchase<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Key Message:<\/strong> ML is how AI learns <\/em><\/strong>from data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        Generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

        Generative AI is a type of AI that incorporates Machine Learning to create new content, such as text, images, music and various forms of media type. It learns patterns from existing data and then generates something new based on a user prompt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n