A Leeds-based firm has developed the UK’s first AI teacher, a groundbreaking achievement for educational technology.
- The AI, named ‘Manda’, is trained with data sourced directly from UK teachers, offering key stage 3 and 4 tutoring.
- It uses the 8B parameter Llama 3 model and has been tested with inputs from over 300 UK teachers.
- Manda is designed to provide affordable and accessible tutoring for students globally, with pricing set at £10 per month or £100 annually.
- Through continuous updates, Manda aligns with changes in the national curriculum to ensure relevant tutoring.
In a significant advancement in educational technology, a company from Leeds has successfully developed the UK’s first artificial intelligence teacher. This innovation, referred to as ‘Manda’, has been uniquely trained with data sourced directly from UK teachers, making it a pioneering tool in delivering educational support for key stages 3 and 4. By doing so, it brings a new dimension to how AI is used in education, potentially transforming traditional methods of learning.
The training of Manda involved utilizing Facebook-owned Meta’s 8B parameter Llama 3 model. This sophisticated model was extensively trained using 550,000 minutes of transcriptions from more than 300 fully qualified UK teachers affiliated with TLC LIVE, an online tuition company. This considerable amount of data ensures that Manda comprehensively covers the curriculum, using explanations approved by the national educational standards.
Luke Budka, AI director at the Leeds firm, highlighted the opportunity to convert existing teaching data into a resource that could revolutionize business for TLC LIVE. ‘Our team strategically used a private AI environment to ensure that all personal data was excluded, focusing instead on essential teaching content,’ he stated. This process ensured that key educational elements in math and English were transformed into accessible and effective training data for the AI.
Students worldwide studying the UK national curriculum can access Manda’s services for a modest fee of £10 monthly or £100 annually, a pricing model designed to make quality education more accessible. The AI tutor’s platform allows for ongoing updates, enabling the continual integration of changes to the national curriculum. This characteristic is crucial in maintaining the tutor’s relevance and effectiveness in an evolving educational landscape.
Simon Barnes, co-founder and CEO at TLC LIVE, reinforced the importance of traditional teaching methods, acknowledging that while AI can’t fully replicate human teachers, it offers a high-quality, cost-effective alternative. ‘An AI will obviously never be able to replicate what a real-life teacher can deliver,’ Barnes mentioned, emphasizing that Manda serves as an additional option for parents seeking diverse tutoring solutions.
Moreover, Manda’s interactions with students are carefully monitored to uphold a secure learning environment. All communications are checked against a predetermined list of prohibited terms, and sensitive information is protected within an encrypted database. This attention to security and privacy is paramount, considering the digital nature of the tutoring service.
The development of ‘Manda’ marks a forward leap in the integration of AI in education, providing innovative, cost-effective learning opportunities.
