Educating Yorkshire fans ‘terrified’ as teachers point out ‘frightening’ new problem

Channel 4 viewers were left feeling ‘terrified’ for teachers as they pointed out a ‘frightening’ new problem that is affecting schools on Sunday’s episode of Educating Yorkshire

Educating Yorkshire viewers were quick to voice their concerns during Sunday’s episode as teachers grappled with a troubling new issue plaguing schools.

In the latest instalment, staff members deliberated over how artificial intelligence is impacting the school environment and how they must adjust to this rapidly evolving and distinctly contemporary challenge.

At one stage, educators grew suspicious that a pupil had employed AI to craft their Shakespeare assignment.

The English teacher observed: “I have tried to mark it and it’s actually really really good but way ahead than what the other students have managed…” whilst seeking input from a colleague who had previously taught the same pupil.

Upon examining the work, the teachers highlighted the presence of subheadings, structured paragraphs, proper punctuation and virtually no spelling errors, indicating the student may have utilised AI, reports the Mirror.

The English teacher remarked: “I can’t prove it without speaking to her” and subsequently confronted the pupil, who firmly refuted using AI for their coursework.

Expressing their exasperation, the teacher explained that when pupils employ AI, it becomes impossible to gauge their actual abilities and provide appropriate support for improvement. The educator also emphasised the difficulty of proving AI usage when students categorically deny it.

Later in the programme, another AI-related incident that occurred over the weekend was addressed. A student had utilised AI to create a video featuring two schoolmates, which was subsequently shared across Snapchat.

Headmaster, Mr Burton, expressed: “AI is a new problem, schools are finding out what the right way to use AI is and utilise its capabilities and then also be aware of the potential pitfalls.”

In a conversation with a fellow teacher about the AI incident, they remarked: “It’s frightening what people can do with AI now, though, isn’t it?” to which Mr Burton replied: “Terrifying!”

Twitter was abuzz with viewers sharing their thoughts on the AI issue and expressing empathy for teachers grappling with it, especially considering the inevitable progression of technology.

One user posted: “Can’t imagine how hard it is for teachers now with AI being so readily available #EducatingYorkshire” while another opined: “AI’s a major problem for schools and higher education. #EducatingYorkshire.”

Meanwhile, another viewer pondered: “I just don’t know how Teachers are going to stamp out kids using AI to do their homework.. #educatingyorkshire.”