Hull College welcomed education leaders from across the UK to its Queen’s Gardens campus last month (Friday 17th January) for a groundbreaking Thematic Conference on AI in Further Education.
Forming part of the FE Commissioner’s ‘Just One More Thing’ series and sponsored by the Department for Education, the event brought together chairs, CEOs, and governance professionals to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and beyond.
The successful day featured thought-provoking keynotes from sector experts, including Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator, and Robin Ghurbhurun, UK Managing Director, Further Education and Skills, Nations, Advice, and Training for Jisc, alongside interactive AI showcases highlighting how AI is being leveraged to support diverse learners, reduce teacher workloads, and enhance student outcomes.
Hull College demonstrated AI’s ability to level the playing field for ESOL, SEN, and neurodiverse learners.
Bishop Burton College explored AI in land-based education.
Basingstoke College of Technology showcased how AI supports teacher wellbeing and reduces workload.
Windsor Forest College presented AI as a personal assistant.
In the afternoon, a dynamic panel discussion explored AI’s application beyond education, featuring sector experts from policing, healthcare, industry, construction, and agriculture. The session was chaired by conference host Mark Malcolmson CBE, Principal and CEO of City Lit, and included contributions from Dr Will Jones (Director of Research at University of Hull), Chris Philpott (Assistant Chief Officer at Humberside Police), Nigel Crosby (Precision Agriculture Specialist at Manterra), Leon McQuade (Chief AI Officer at ThinkCloud), Beckie Hart (Yorkshire & Humber Regional Director at CBI).
Further breakout sessions addressed AI’s impact on governance, digital transformation, and curriculum innovation. These sessions were led by Hull College’s Catherine Sykes (Director of Governance), Deb Millar (Executive Director of Digital Transformation), and Debra Gray MBE, (Principal and CEO) respectively.
Attendees engaged in discussions on practical strategies for streamlining workloads, embracing digital excellence, and adapting curriculum to the demands of the 4th and 5th Industrial Revolutions. The day concluded with a series of interactive ‘Practical Playtime’ sessions, allowing attendees to experiment with cutting-edge AI tools and applications.
FE Commissioner, Shelagh Legrave CBE DL, said: “It was a real privilege to come to Hull College and witness the exceptional progress it has made in recent years. The college has firmly established itself as a leader in AI and digital innovation, and I am delighted to see the success it has achieved. Debra and her team have been incredibly generous in sharing their expertise and best practices with the wider sector, which is a testament to their commitment to advancing education.
“Artificial Intelligence is an emerging technology that has been developing for some time, and I was particularly keen to support this event because of the incredible work being done by colleges like Hull College. At the same time, there are colleges that are yet to embark on this journey, which is why this conference was so informative and impactful. I personally learned a great deal about the potential applications of AI and its transformative power in education.”
Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator, said: “It was an incredible opportunity to explore the potential usage of AI in the Further Education sector. Sharing insights, discussing its rapid progression, and encouraging thought-provoking conversations about how the sector can embrace and adapt to this transformative technology was truly inspiring.
“It is crucial for educators to adopt AI thoughtfully. While concerns about new technologies are valid, we must mitigate potential risks while leveraging the immense benefits for our students and their futures. AI is becoming ubiquitous, integrated into every product and service we interact with. As educators, we must rise to the challenge of understanding and utilising AI to benefit teaching and learning while maintaining the essential human touch.
“Education is not just another sector but a cornerstone for every industry, tasked with preparing students to thrive in an AI-driven world. Developing AI literacy and equipping learners with the skills to use AI effectively will be critical in meeting employer demands and ensuring success in their careers. If education is about enabling students to succeed in the modern world, embracing AI will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in achieving that goal.”
A key highlight of the day was the official launch of Hull College’s innovative new book, Hello Future: Embracing AI in Education. Written by the sector, for the sector, and available free to the sector, the book features contributions from 12 colleges, 17 authors, and 22 chapters. This invaluable resource offers AI insights, advice, and analysis tailored to transform teaching, learning, and leadership.
Hello Future explores the rapidly evolving world of Further Education, with AI at the forefront of this transformation. The book provides practical strategies and case studies, empowering educators to embrace AI’s potential and champion innovation in their institutions. It is available for free download on the college’s website.
Reflecting on the success of the conference and the launch of the book, Hull College Principal and CEO, Debra Gray: “The AI Conference was an incredible platform for sharing insights and expertise, providing invaluable takeaways for Further Education leaders and practitioners. Throughout the day, we explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence – its possibilities, challenges, and the ways in which we can adapt it within teaching and learning contexts.
“At Hull College, I am incredibly proud of how our team has embraced AI across a variety of areas. We utilise it to bridge gaps for students whose first language is not English, as well as for neurodiverse learners and those with learning difficulties. These applications demonstrate the meaningful impact AI can have in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
“Embracing AI is essential. It represents the next step in a long history of transformative tools, from the printing press to the wheel. As educators, it is our responsibility to not only understand AI ourselves but to ensure we effectively equip the next generation with the skills to harness its potential. AI is a powerful tool that can enhance efficiency and drive progress, enabling breakthroughs in fields such as technology, medicine, and science.
“Our mission is to prepare students for an AI-driven future by ensuring they are agile, responsive, and skilled in techniques such as prompt engineering. AI is a tool – and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it is used. If we fail to embrace AI, it is our students who will be left behind, and that is not a scenario our sector can afford to accept.”
