What can the Virgin Queen teach us about AI in Education?

As we dive into the world of artificial intelligence, it's pretty cool to think about how the days of antiquity can shed some light on today's tech wonders. History isn't just about dusty books and ancient stories; it's like a treasure chest of wisdom waiting for us to crack it open and learn. Those who have read my book, A MAMMOTH Lesson: Teaching in the Digital Age know I enjoy extracting lessons from our past and seeing how they apply in to teaching and learning. For example, we can explore the Industrial Revolution and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—both concepts are chock full of lessons for this AI era we're stepping into. But it’s Queen Elizabeth I, with her sharp leadership during a time of huge change, who's got some real gems for us in my opinion, especially when it comes to weaving AI into education.

Let’s begin with Frankenstein. Challenged by Lord Byron (one of my favourite poets) to write a ghost story, Shelley imagined Frankenstein when the world was just getting a taste of massive industrial changes. It’s a story that hits home about the big "what-ifs" of tech gone wild. Victor Frankenstein whipped up his creation with a mix of brilliance and recklessness, and it's a bit of a cautionary tale for us with AI: powerful, promising, but also a Pandora's box that needs some serious handling.

So, what can good old Elizabeth I teach us about running the show with AI in schools? Her time was all about smart moves in governance and sparking a cultural and scientific boom. There's a plethora we can learn from her playbook about managing new tech so that it makes our educational spaces smarter, fairer, and more effective, without tossing out the human touch.

*Image created by Ideogram

Prompt used: A fascinating depiction of Queen Elizabeth I in a futuristic classroom, surrounded by advanced artificial intelligence robots. The Queen, adorned in her iconic regal attire, stands confidently in the center, her eyes filled with curiosity. The futuristic classroom features state-of-the-art technology, with holographic displays and sleek furniture. The AI robots, with their complex designs and glowing eyes, are attentively watching both the Queen and each other. The overall atmosphere of the image is a blend of historical and futuristic elements, with a touch of mystery and wonder.

Elizabeth I: Lessons from the Past to Guide Our Future in AI and Education

The Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I, was far more than a mere monarch; she was a visionary leader who adeptly steered England through the Renaissance and a particularly gruesome period marked by deep-seated religious and political upheaval. Her reign, spanning from 1558 to 1603, heralded a golden age of cultural, scientific, and intellectual flourishing. This era saw significant advancements, including the burgeoning of English literature, with luminaries such as Shakespeare enriching the world’s literary heritage.

Today, as we grapple with the integration of artificial intelligence in education, Elizabeth's era offers more than just historical curiosity—it provides profound lessons that can guide us through our own period of technological transformation.

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1. Steadfast Goals with "Semper Eadem":

Elizabeth I’s motto, "Semper Eadem" (Always the Same), underscores the importance of a consistent vision in times of change. Her reign, marked by shifts in politics, religion, and societal norms, remained anchored by her steadfast dedication to the welfare of her realm. She had to balance the push/pull of Catholic and Protestant religions following the upheaval started by her father King Henry VIII. England was pulling itself apart when she took the throne. It was up to her to provide conference and stability in a time of significant change!

In modern educational contexts, amidst the swift changes brought by AI, this reminder is crucial. Maintaining clear, unchanging goals ensures that technological advancements enhance the educational mission, focusing on student development and knowledge acquisition.

As AI technologies evolve, they bring new capabilities and possibilities into classrooms. However, without a clear understanding of educational objectives, these tools could shift focus away from critical thinking and personal interaction, which are fundamental to learning. By adhering to the principle of "Semper Eadem," educators can utilise AI to supplement traditional teaching methods, ensuring that the technology serves as a bridge to deeper understanding rather than as a replacement for foundational educational values.

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2. Adaptability and Innovation:

Elizabeth faced numerous challenges during her reign, from internal plots to external threats (the Spanish Armada being one!). Her ability to adapt, reflected in her diplomatic maneuvers and policy adjustments, was key to her success. For educators today, the integration of AI presents a similar need for adaptability. The landscape of AI in education is rapidly changing, offering new tools for personalised learning, assessment, and engagement. Educators must remain flexible, learning to integrate these tools while also responding to the evolving educational needs of their students.

This adaptability goes beyond merely adopting new technologies. It involves a willingness to continually assess and refine teaching practices in light of AI's impacts. As AI applications become more pervasive in educational settings, teachers need to develop new skills and approaches. This might include data literacy to better understand AI-driven insights or new pedagogical strategies that leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes.

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3. Ethical Vigilance:

Elizabeth’s reign was not devoid of ethical dilemmas, which she navigated with a blend of pragmatism and principle. This mirrors the ethical landscape of AI in education today, where issues like data privacy, surveillance, and bias in algorithms pose significant challenges. Educators and policymakers must be vigilant, ensuring that AI tools are used in ways that are ethical and just, protecting students' rights and promoting equity.

The responsibility does not end with choosing the right tools; it also involves setting guidelines for their use. This includes developing clear policies on data use, consent, and transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders, including students and parents, understand how AI technologies impact the educational process. By prioritising ethical considerations, educators can prevent potential harm and foster a trust-based environment where AI serves as a supportive tool rather than a surveillance mechanism.

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4. Strategic Alliances:

Elizabeth’s ability to maintain and leverage alliances was pivotal to her successful rule. She engaged with various European powers, navigating complex diplomatic relationships to England’s advantage. Similarly, the successful integration of AI in education depends on effective partnerships between various stakeholders, including technology providers, educational institutions, and government agencies. These alliances can facilitate the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices, ensuring that AI tools are effectively tailored to educational needs.

Moreover, these collaborations can also help in setting industry standards and ethical guidelines for AI in education. By working together, stakeholders can address broader challenges such as digital equity and the digital divide, ensuring that AI benefits are accessible to all students regardless of their socioeconomic background. These strategic partnerships, therefore, not only enhance the technological capabilities of educational institutions but also ensure that these advancements are equitable and inclusive.

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5. Empowering Educators and Students:

Under Elizabeth’s patronage, the arts and education flourished, leading to what is often termed the 'Elizabethan Renaissance'. She understood the power of education and culture in enriching her people’s lives. Today, AI offers the potential to similarly transform educational landscapes, providing tools that can personalise learning and adapt to the unique needs of each student. Educators can use AI to gain insights into students’ learning patterns, tailor educational content, and identify areas where students may need additional support.

This empowerment extends to educators as well. With AI handling routine tasks such as grading and administrative work, teachers can focus more on creative teaching methods and individual student engagement. AI can thus be seen not as a replacement for teachers but as a powerful assistant that enhances their capabilities. By harnessing AI thoughtfully, the educational community can initiate a new era of creativity and innovation, akin to the vibrant cultural explosion of Elizabeth’s reign.

*This article was inspired by the podcast The Rest is History and the episode Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen. The majority of my knowledge about the Queen stems from that podcast.