Providing staff and students with a safe and secure way to explore the benefits of generative artificial intelligence
Students can safely explore the benefits of generative AI through NSWEduChat, a secure, department-owned tool specifically designed for NSW education. NSWEduChat offers a protected environment that prioritises data privacy and student safety, addressing the potential risks associated with generative AI use, such as exposure to harmful or inappropriate content. By using NSWEduChat, students can engage with AI confidently, knowing it's purpose-built to support teaching and learning in NSW.
The tool aims to provide additional support to staff in developing and delivering teaching experiences, easing workload demands, and empowering users to advance their AI skills in a safe environment. Key features of NSWEduChat include advanced safeguards, such as content filtering, topic restriction, and moderation, to ensure a safe learning environment. The tool encourages critical thinking by guiding students to reason through questions rather than providing direct answers, fostering a deeper understanding of educational material. NSWEduChat is currently the safest and most cost-effective generative AI tool available for our schools and staff. NSWEduChat is based in the Department of Education’s own cloud environment in Sydney, Australia. Data is secure, caters to the NSW educational context and aligns to the NSW AI Assessment Framework.
Achievements
In Term 1, 2024, the department began a trial of NSWEduChat in 16 schools, expanding to 50 schools in Term 2. The trial currently continues in the 50 schools for students in stage 3 to stage 6. Following positive feedback, such as teachers reporting work efficiencies, the department expanded the trial of NSWEduChat to all staff.
Engagement
The initial trial phases focused on understanding the impact of generative AI on teaching and learning, with valuable feedback from teachers and students alike. Teachers highlighted improved work efficiencies, and schools reported high engagement, which has informed the department’s decision to expand access to NSWEduChat for all staff. The Department of Education looks forward to ongoing collaboration with its partners to refine and enhance AI-driven learning tools that support the education community in NSW.
Department leading the project
NSW Department of Education