The initial idea for the AI-powered essay app came from a place of necessity and a dose of genuine interest in artificial intelligence. As an economics teacher with hands-on experience marking A-level exams, I was all too familiar with the drudgery of essay marking. It wasn't just the monotony, but the colossal effort required to provide meaningful feedback to every student in my class. This is where my AI odyssey began — transforming my aversion to marking into an innovative solution that could benefit both teachers and students.
The Quest for a Teaching Renaissance

I envisioned a tool that wasn't just a shortcut for marking but an assistant that would really extend our feedback role. The objective was clear: create an AI application that serves as a reliable essay marking assistant, and helping students view AI as a collaborator rather than a shortcut to academic success.

The Roadblocks and Revelations

This journey wasn't without its roadblocks. Crafting an interface that catered to the intricate demands of both students and teachers required meticulous attention to detail. We had to ensure it was user-friendly and capable of providing feedback with a depth that could rival an expert teacher (but with lots of time!) One of the significant hurdles was altering the student value-perception; they needed to view the app as an enhancement of the teacher's guidance, not a replacement.

Another challenge was maintaining the delicate tricky between technological efficiency and the personal touch of a teacher's insight.  The app needed to transform productivity but keep teachers in touch with the progress of reach student’s progress. So, an important feature is the ability to review and edit the feedback before returning it to students.

The Transformative Outcomes

The app has drastically increased the number of essays that can be written and marked. Yet, what really stands out as an achievement is its ability to rewrite sections of essays, imbibing the student's voice and explaining the rationale behind each change. This feature has been particularly beneficial for students whose grades would normally below grade C.

Contrary to my initial reservations, students were eager to engage with the AI feedback, demonstrating an increased willingness to revise their essays. Notably, essays have shifted from homework to classwork to mitigate the overreliance on AI, ensuring that the heart of the writing process remains human.

The Future is Co-Intelligent

Looking ahead, it's important to acknowledge that AI's current capabilities are the most limited they will ever be. It seems strange saying that in our teaching climate, but it’s true. The future isn't about creating an autonomous educational ecosystem but fostering co-intelligence where AI and human educators augment each other. This isn't a harbinger of obsolescence for teachers but an exciting evolution of their role.

This web application is more than just a grading tool; it's a testament to the potential of human-AI collaboration. It has revolutionised the way I approach teaching and has offered students a unique opportunity to benefit from AI without losing the invaluable human element that defines good education. As we continue to navigate refine this relationship, it's thrilling to consider what other doors AI will open in education.

Gary Roebuck is Head of Economics at Holy Cross New Malden, and creator of TeachEdge.ai

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