John McGabhann, President of the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE):
"Nothing can replace a teacher and quality teaching! Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool, and teachers need it as a supporting instrument."
Artificial Intelligence also carries risks — it can marginalize the teacher’s role. Teachers and students often view it as a market product.
Major technology companies have commercial interests — their primary goal is profit! They can be compared to a fox let loose in a henhouse.
We, the trade unions, must defend our principles and the rights of our students. Governments must cooperate with us transparently to prevent the privatization of education. We need to be able to overcome the barriers created by technology companies.
Our students are already using AI, and it brings certain benefits — it reduces bureaucratic work and saves time. But we must be prepared to understand where and how AI can be used. We need to support teachers, develop their competencies, and promote professional autonomy and academic freedom.
Otherwise, AI will become a performer of private interests rather than a benefit for public education!
Jelmer Evers, European Director of the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE):
"Students started using Artificial Intelligence before teachers did. We did not know what purposes technology companies pursued. AI holds great potential, but we must know how to use it. AI is revolutionary in education, yet it also carries risks — when it enters our classrooms, it is like water leaking from the ceiling: if we cannot prevent the risks in time, damage will follow!"
Before these risks deepen, education trade unions must be ready to act — to propose competent initiatives and engage actively in this process at the national level.
Dear Colleagues,
We are returning to Georgia with new ideas and well-grounded recommendations, which we will share with the members of ESFTUG!
We have clearly defined our organization’s role and objectives regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence and the prevention of its risks.
Respectfully,
Maia Kobakhidze
ESFTUG President