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Special Interest Group

Artificial and Human Intelligence

Over the last 30 years, the academic study of intelligence has been in a process of decline, but recently this has changed dramatically. The main catalyst for this change has been the growth of extensive research in the fields of neural networking and machine learning. Consequently interdisciplinary interest in intelligence as a technical, social and psychological construct is increasing in prominence. In the case of educational research, there is growing interest in both human and machine learning, particularly in areas such as the areas of:

  • The promotion of social inclusion and mobility;
  • The relationship between intelligence and heritability;
  • The potential for interface between human and machine learning, and
  • The expanding role of artificial intelligence in education systems as well as within wider society.

Ultimately this SIG seeks to bring together what are apparently disparate fields under the umbrella of intelligence as a whole, as a mechanism for supporting intra- and interdisciplinary research, leading debate, and promoting the impact of the work of BERA members in these new and exciting areas. The intention of the SIG is that members should liaise closely with those involved with policy and practice, including technologists working in artificial intelligence at the highest levels. This will enable meaningful professional conversations to take place regarding the ethical and practical deployment of machine learning in educational settings, the positioning of human intelligence as a social construct within the context of learning, and the role of the commercial sector in developing and deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence-based systems for use in learning environments. While the SIG plans to work closely with the existing Educational Technology SIG, its emphasis is very different in that it is concerned with the study of human and machine intelligence, as opposed to the educational affordances and possibilities of technology for human learning in a broader pedagogical sense.

Aims

 To identify areas where educational research can inform or benefit from related work on human and machine intelligence. Examples of this might include:

  • Identifying where artificial intelligence research would be enhanced through a deeper understanding of educational research conventions, methodologies, traditions and insights;
  • Promoting an ethical approach to debate where human and/or artificial intelligence is being considered directly or indirectly as a factor in formulating policy; 
  • Reducing barriers between scholarly and commercial human and artificial intelligence research; and
  • Identifying new areas for research and investment, and building research capacity.

 

BERA Artificial and Human Intelligence Forum

SIG Convenors

Profile picture of Sandra Leaton Gray
Sandra Leaton Gray, Dr

Professor of Education Futures at University College London

Sandra Leaton Gray is Professor of Educational Futures at University College London, Institute of Education. She is an applied sociology of education specialist who has published extensively on issues of education professionalism, education...

Profile picture of Imogen Casebourne
Imogen Casebourne, Dr

Innovation Lab Research Lead at Digital Education Futures Initiative, Hughes Hall

Dr. Imogen Casebourne is Innovation Lab research lead at DEFI (Digital Education Futures Initiative) part of the Bridge Centre based at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge. Imogen has extensive experience of designing educational technology and...

Profile picture of Maira Klyshbekova
Maira Klyshbekova, Doctor

Postdoctoral Research Associate at Kings College London

I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI and Education at King’s College London. My research takes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring the intersection of education and AI, higher education studies, and participatory research...

Content associated with this SIG

Considering intelligence in the era of AI

23 May 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am

There is currently, understandably, considerable debate about the potential and the risks of artificial intelligence in education. There are questions about implications for future curriculums,...

Upcoming eventVirtual

2025/2026 BERA Small Grants Fund

Closes 14 May 2025

Researching Additional Support Needs (ASN)/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) £5000 per project available

AwardOpen

Spring 2025

International comparative education

Research Intelligence21 Feb 2025