Public school teachers across NSW will soon have access to a purpose-built artificial intelligence-powered education app to help reduce administration load and increase workforce efficiency.

In one of the largest rollouts of its kind in the world, the NSWEduChat app will be available to teaching staff by the start of term four, which begins 14 October.

The rollout follows feedback from a trial conducted in 50 schools across the state that showed the generative AI app – developed by the Department of Education – significantly helped teachers with correspondence, newsletters and producing customised lesson resources, allowing them to spend more time in the classroom.

Some teachers involved in the trial reported the AI app reduced their admin load by more than an hour a week. Ultimately, it’s hoped the technology will free up five hours of teachers’ time a week.  

“We are proud that NSW is leading the world in developing its own purpose-built generative AI app for education,” minister for education Prue Car said. “Teachers who have been using this tool say it’s helping them spend less time on admin, enabling them to stay focused on teaching.”

It has given me time back that I didn’t have

The technology has been received positively.

“It’s up there with the internet itself in terms of the potential significance on its ability to assist staff and students in the world of education,” said James Laird – deputy principal at special education school The Ponds.

Emma Kelly teaches maths at Hunter Sports High School. The AI app is, she said, “our little assistant that you can use whenever you need it”.

“It’s definitely a time-saver,” said Tjarnah Williams – a teacher at Plattsburgh Public School. “It takes away that admin part of teaching, which is really helpful.”

“It has given me time back that I didn’t have,” Rebecca Hunter – a teacher at Irrawang Public School – said.”

To help teachers use the AI app, the department has developed learning workshops and online guides.

Car said the technology is not intended to replace the work of teachers, instead, “it helps them to save time, tailor their resources, and focus on their critical work in the classroom”.

Government News contacted the NSW Teachers Federation for comment.