South Australia is prepared to bring in a new era of digital education. The state government, working with Microsoft, will pilot EdChat next term in selected public high schools. Education Minister Blair Boyer announced $200 million to improve education and learning experiences for students in years 7 to 12. This new tool that launched in early 2023 was initially piloted with 10,000 students. It provides a dynamic and visual platform that deepens the learning support.
Although the debut of EdChat has stirred enthusiasm among technology connoisseurs, it has sparked worry about negative aspects as well. That sobering sentiment comes from Toby Walsh, an artificial intelligence expert at the University of New South Wales. He’s concerned that an over-reliance on AI can short-circuit the learning experience. Here, he notes the need to preserve the art of critical thinking in the face of an ever-increasing dependence on technology in our nation’s classrooms.
The Rollout of EdChat
From next semester EdChat will be offered to all public secondary schools in South Australia. This is fantastic news because that means students will finally be able to access it! The initiative is designed to increase student participation and enrich the learning process by creating an open dialogue. Since late 2024, principals, teachers, and pre-school staff have had access to the app, allowing them to familiarize themselves with its features ahead of its broader implementation.
Minister Boyer also drew attention to the many ways EdChat can improve student outcomes. “AI is well and truly going to be part of the future of work. Instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending it will go away, we need to tackle it,” he stated. EdChat builds in protections developed by OpenLocker and in partnership with Microsoft to create a safe learning environment for all student users.
The rollout is the result of a successful trial in New South Wales, where a similar app was trialed. High levels of positive feedback from educators and students has prompted the South Australian government to roll EdChat out across South Australia. Sarah Chambers, an education expert, noted, “It does provide students with a tool that is accessible throughout the day and into the evening.”
Expert Opinions on AI in Education
For all the excitement around EdChat, experts such as Sydney’s Toby Walsh urge caution over its deployment in classrooms. “We have to be very careful that we don’t dumb ourselves down by using this technology as a crutch,” he warned. To Walsh, AI is a crucial component to modern education today. He stresses the importance of teaching students how to approach technology with a critical eye.
Michael Cowling, a professor of education technology, agreed. He argued that AI tools such as EdChat could truly reinforce these critical skills when used effectively. “We’ve been very focused on the academic integrity concerns, but I do think we can use these tools for things like brainstorming and starting ideas,” he explained.
Cowling continued to discuss why it’s important to prompt these tools correctly. “As long as we anchor ourselves in the idea that we need to know how to prompt these tools properly and carefully evaluate their output, I’m not entirely convinced that critical thinking is going to be an issue,” he said.
Addressing Student Concerns
The experimental phase of EdChat exposed some really interesting dynamics at play between students and the emerging AI tool. Throughout testing, when presented with scenarios, students expressed wanting EdChat to function as a confidant. They didn’t want it to be a glorified T.A. In response, EdChat is designed to clarify its role: “Thank you for asking. I’m available to help you and strengthen the work you’re already doing. And remember, I’m your artificial intelligence friend, not your AI friend,” the AI told them.
Boyer promised that the app was equipped with safety features meant to protect student health. “There’s a lot of prompts set up — if a student types something that might be around self-harm or similar concerns — to alert the moderators so we can provide help,” he explained.
The arrival of EdChat is an important transformational change in how education is delivered across South Australia’s public school system. Not only does it integrate the latest technology but it fosters a tech-savvy, hands-on, collaborative learning environment. Students such as Sidney, an 11th grader who has already begun using EdChat daily, have begun to experience the benefits of the new technology firsthand.
