Over the years, I’ve seen technological waves sweep through education, each promising to transform how we teach and learn. From the arrival of interactive whiteboards to the explosion of e-learning platforms, each innovation has brought excitement, opportunities, and yes, its share of challenges. Now, as artificial intelligence (AI) makes its way into the fabric of vocational education, we find ourselves at another critical juncture.
AI isn’t just a trend; it’s here to stay. Whether we’ve embraced it or not, many of us are already using it—sometimes unknowingly. Trainers draft feedback with ChatGPT, administrators automate enrolments, and students turn to AI tools for assistance with assignments or exam preparation. AI has quietly entered our classrooms and offices, and it’s time we, as educators, decide how to guide its use responsibly and purposefully.
The Silent Adoption of AI in RTOs
I often think about the first time I saw a colleague use AI to create a draft assessment. It was quick, efficient, and surprisingly insightful—but it wasn’t perfect. As more staff and students experiment with AI, stories like this are becoming commonplace. Recent studies reveal that 91% of professionals use AI in their work, and 60% of students lean on it for educational tasks. These numbers tell us one thing: AI is already shaping how we operate.
But here’s the catch—many RTOs have no formal policies or guidelines in place for AI use. Without a framework, we’re leaving ourselves open to risks. A trainer might unknowingly create assessments that don’t align with training package requirements. Students could submit AI-generated work that challenges the integrity of our competency-based assessments. Sensitive data might be used in AI systems without considering privacy implications.
This silent adoption of AI is both a wake-up call and an opportunity. We can’t ignore it, but we can guide it.
Generative vs. Non-Generative AI: The Tools in Our Hands
Before we can lead with purpose, we need to understand the tools we’re working with.
- Generative AI is what most people think of when they hear “AI”—tools like ChatGPT or DALL·E that create something new, like text, images, or even personalised feedback.
- Non-Generative AI, on the other hand, doesn’t create but analyses. It powers learning platforms that adapt content for individual students, tracks attendance, or provides data-driven insights into student performance.
Both types have their place in an RTO. Generative AI can support trainers by drafting learning materials or designing marketing campaigns, while non-generative AI can streamline administration and enhance decision-making. But like any tool, they need clear boundaries and thoughtful use.
Aligning AI with Your RTO’s Vision, Mission, and Values
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that technology must serve our purpose—not the other way around. AI should amplify the vision, mission, and values that guide our RTO.
If our mission is to deliver inclusive and equitable education, then our use of AI must reflect that. Tools should support diverse learning needs, ensure accessibility, and avoid bias. If our vision is to lead in digital innovation, AI can help us create cutting-edge learning experiences while maintaining the high standards we’re known for.
Without this alignment, AI risks becoming a distraction or, worse, a source of conflict. By grounding our policies in our organisational identity, we ensure technology supports what matters most—our learners, our staff, and the industries we serve.
Reflections on Practical AI Use
So, how do we go from silent adoption to purposeful integration? Let me share a few practical lessons learned from years of navigating technological change.
- Start with a Purpose
Don’t introduce AI just because it’s the latest trend. Begin by identifying where it can genuinely add value. Maybe it’s streamlining enrolments, helping trainers personalise feedback, or identifying students at risk of falling behind. Focus on real problems AI can solve. - Set Boundaries, Not Barriers
AI isn’t a replacement for human expertise. It’s a tool. Policies should make this clear. For example, generative AI can draft assessments, but trainers should review and refine them to ensure alignment with training standards. - Embrace Transparency
Many students already use AI to assist their learning, often without understanding the implications. Let’s have honest conversations about AI in the classroom. Teach students how to use it responsibly and ethically, reinforcing the importance of their own effort and understanding. - Keep the Human Element
One of AI’s biggest risks is that it can feel impersonal. It’s our role to ensure that even as we embrace efficiency, we never lose the personal connection that defines quality education. Whether it’s a trainer providing individualised support or an administrator addressing a unique student need, the human touch matters.
Moving Forward with AI
The statistics are clear: AI isn’t something we can afford to ignore. But I believe the real challenge lies in how we embrace it—thoughtfully, ethically, and aligned with our purpose as educators.
AI offers exciting possibilities, from personalised learning experiences to more efficient operations. But it also reminds us of something I’ve long believed: no matter how much technology changes, the heart of education remains the same. It’s about people—our learners, our trainers, and the industries we’re preparing them for.
As we stand on the brink of this new era, I encourage you to view AI not as a replacement for what we do but as a tool to do it better. Let’s embrace it with clarity, intention, and the wisdom that comes from experience. After all, we’ve navigated change before—and we’ll do it again, always with our learners at the centre of everything we do.
