On the 10th of November 2023, the International Parents Alliance (IPA) participated in an online event, “Data for Teaching and Learning in Schools: Trends and Issues.” This event provided a platform to bring parents’ perspectives to the forefront, particularly on the impact of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The focus was on understanding the implications of data-driven technologies in schools and exploring how these can be utilized to enhance learning while safeguarding students’ rights.

Earlier, in January 2023, the European Schoolnet launched an initiative centered on the use of big data and AI in educational settings. Co-funded by Erasmus+, this initiative, called the Agile EDU project, aimed to support schools in managing educational data more effectively. One of the highlights of this project was the European Dialogue Lab, a half-day online workshop that featured group discussions with policy actors, research associations, and civil society.

During this event, various stakeholders explored how AI and big data are shaping modern education. After presenting initial research, the organizers introduced a dialogue methodology that enabled interactive discussions. This workshop allowed participants to express their views and examine ways in which educational institutions can integrate big data and AI while respecting the rights of students and parents.

Challenges of Big Data in Schools

In the first discussion group, the conversation focused on key concepts such as ‘data’, ‘datafication’, and ‘data literacy’. Participants from different countries shared their experiences and practices. IPA emphasized that many schools lack the expertise and effort to provide clear, age-appropriate explanations for children and easy-to-understand consent forms for parents. It is crucial for parents and students to be fully aware of the type of data being collected in schools, as well as the purposes for which it is used.

Parents must be involved in discussions about big data usage in education, particularly when it comes to safeguarding their children’s data. European and international institutions can offer support by providing guidelines, training materials, and best practices that help schools communicate data policies more transparently. By offering such resources, schools would be able to meet their responsibilities more effectively, ensuring that families have a better understanding of the data collection process.

The group discussions concluded with the rapporteurs presenting their findings in a plenary session, where participants highlighted the need for international collaboration to standardize how big data is used in educational settings.

Strategic Planning for Data and AI in Schools

In the second group session, the focus shifted towards strategic planning at various levels, including schools, local authorities, and central governments. The key question was how to manage big data and AI in a way that benefits educational outcomes. Participants explored what kind of planning is needed for institutions to adapt to the increasing datafication of education.

IPA argued that strategic planning should involve all relevant stakeholders—students, parents, and teachers—from the earliest stages. Engaging these groups ensures that their perspectives are incorporated and that their agency is respected throughout the process. Only by involving the families and respecting their voices can schools utilize big data and AI as tools for improvement rather than exploitation.

Moreover, European and international actors were encouraged to provide guidance on creating a co-creation methodology for schools, fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Through such approaches, schools can develop a comprehensive, ethically sound strategy for incorporating big data and AI into the educational framework.

The event wrapped up with participants reiterating the importance of strategic, stakeholder-inclusive approaches to big data in education, as well as advocating for further collaboration between European institutions and educational entities.

Moving Forward with Big Data in Schools

IPA’s participation in the event reinforced the importance of giving students and families a significant role in educational decision-making. As an advocate for children’s rights, IPA will continue to push for the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in all educational matters.

The use of big data and AI in schools can present numerous opportunities for enhancing learning. However, without proper oversight and planning, it could also pose risks. IPA is committed to working with European Schoolnet and other international bodies to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly, always prioritizing the rights and well-being of students.