Educating Yorkshire viewers concerned as teachers point out 'frightening' new problem

Educating Yorkshire viewers were quick to share their concern on Sunday's episode as the teachers discussed a challenging new problem within schools.

During the latest episode, the staff discussed how AI is affecting the school more widely and how they must adapt to this ever-changing and very modern challenge.

At one point, teachers were concerned that one student had used AI to create their Shakespeare essay.

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The English teacher pointed out: "I have tried to mark it and it's actually really really good but way ahead than what the other students have managed..." as she asked another teacher, who had taught the same student the previous year, for their opinion.

Analysing the work, the teachers pointed out the use of subheadings, paragraphs, punctuation and hardly any spelling mistakes, suggesting the student had used AI.

The English teacher said: "I can't prove it without speaking to her" and later she spoke to the student, who denied using AI for their essay.

Sharing their frustrations, the teacher said that if students use AI, they don't know how to assess their skills and help make them better. The teacher also pointed out that if students deny using AI, how do you prove it.

Later in the episode, the show dealt with another incident using AI that happened over the weekend. A student had used AI to make a video of two students at school which was now being circulated on Snapchat.

Headmaster, Mr Burton, said: "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."

Discussing the AI incident with another teacher, they commented: "It's frightening what people can do with AI now, though, isn't it?" to which Mr Burton responded: "Terrifying!"

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to share their thoughts on AI and shared their sympathies for how teachers are supposed to deal with it, especially as technology is likely to advance.

One person said: "Can’t imagine how hard it is for teachers now with AI being so readily available #EducatingYorkshire" while a different account put: "AI’s a major problem for schools and higher education. #EducatingYorkshire."

Meanwhile, another show watcher added: "I just don't know how Teachers are going to stamp out kids using AI to do their homework.. #educatingyorkshire."

Educating Yorkshire continues on Sunday nights at 8pm on Channel 4.