Schools seek clear AI rules as minister promises faster action

Denmark’s primary schools are seeking clear rules on how pupils may use artificial intelligence, as Education Minister Magnus Heunicke acknowledges that the government must accelerate its efforts, DR reports.

The call comes after Heunicke presented a rapid package aimed at preventing AI cheating among students in upper-secondary and other youth education programmes.

Danske Skoleelever, an organisation representing primary school pupils, says children are also confused about when they are allowed to use AI in school.

“It is incredibly important that we keep up with the times and learn how to navigate AI, so pupils can use it properly and constructively in teaching,” said Madicken Luther, the organisation’s chair.

She said pupils face different rules from teacher to teacher. Some teachers allow extensive use of AI for constructive purposes, while others regard it as almost cheating if pupils simply open an AI overview in Google.

“With clear guidelines from the minister, I think we can avoid a lot of conflicts in primary schools that are happening right now,” Luther said.

Dorte Andreas, chair of the School Leaders’ Association, said the organisation had also been calling for clear guidance for some time.

“I have been a little impatient and wanted clear guidelines on how and what we should use AI for in teaching. But we also need to develop teachers’ and school leaders’ skills in this area,” Andreas said.

Asked how much time the minister has, she replied: “He is very busy. But we should not hurry more than we can think things through properly.”

The government has previously announced plans to develop an overall national strategy for AI across the school and education sector.

Heunicke has brought together experts from across the school sector at the annual education policy summit, the Sorø meeting, where AI’s consequences for teaching have been placed at the top of the agenda.

“I am listening, and then we need to work out what is required to ensure that pupils in primary school learn about AI without it being misused for cheating,” he said.

Heunicke said he would act as soon as he was ready.

“I have recognised that we need a gearshift here and must work quickly on these initiatives. Developments in AI are moving incredibly fast, and they reach directly into pupils’ computers and phones,” he said.

He said pupils should use AI whenever it is relevant to teaching. But if an assignment specifies that AI must not be used, they must follow that rule.

“Then they must think critically, work hard and learn through that process,” Heunicke said.