BBC invests millions in artificial intelligence for education

British broadcaster BBC has announced a £6 million ($7.4 million) investment in its BBC Bitesize education service. The money will be used to implement artificial intelligence technology to personalise and create more interactive learning content, starting with primary school.

Here's What We Know

It will transform Bitesize from a digital textbook to a personalised AI-powered adaptive learning platform, according to the BBC's head of education, Helen Foulkes. The plan is to utilise computer vision, testing and supplementary content recommendation technologies.

The enhanced Bitesize is designed to cement young audiences' connection with the public broadcaster in the digital age. The move is in line with BBC management's intention to actively use AI to enhance product personalisation, but on its own ethical terms.

To promote educational programmes, a special lesson on creating a radio show will be aired on CBBC and BBC iPlayer channels to mark the 100th anniversary of the BBC's first school radio show in 1924.

The new investment is a drop in the ocean amidst the £700m savings required, but is designed to support the BBC's core mission to inform, educate and entertain viewers.

Flashback

In 1924, the BBC launched the first experimental school radio programme. In the 1930s, the first regular educational radio shows for children appeared.

In the 21st century, the BBC offers multimedia educational resources, including Bitesize Daily virtual lessons during the pandemic. The Bitesize service, launched in 1998, has become a popular digital textbook.

Source: The Guardian