NSWEduChat

Trialling a purpose-built AI tool for educational use in schools

The NSW Department of Education has developed NSWEduChat, a purpose-built generative AI tool for educational use in schools. NSWEduChat is currently the safest and most cost-effective generative AI tool available for our schools and staff. NSWEduChat is based in our own cloud environment in Sydney, Australia, data is secure, caters to the NSW educational context and aligns to the NSW AI Assessment Framework.

Key features of NSWEduChat include advanced safeguards, such as content filtering, topic restriction, and moderation, to ensure a safe learning environment. The tool encourages critical thinking by guiding students to reason through questions rather than providing direct answers, fostering a deeper understanding of educational material. 

Supported by Professional Learning resources and technical assistance, the trial will be closely monitored to inform the future direction of AI integration in NSW public schools. This initiative reflects a commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and the ethical use of AI.

The vision of the NSWEduChat project is to enhance the educational experience by integrating safe, secure, and ethical AI technology tailored to the specific needs of NSW classrooms. It aims to foster critical thinking and provide high-quality, relevant support. The trial allows us to understand how AI is used in education in a test and learn environment.

Achievements

In Term 1, 2024, the department began a trial of NSWEduChat in 16 schools, expanding to 50 schools in Term 2. The trial currently continues in the 50 schools to all staff and students in stage 3 to stage 6 until Term 4, 2024. Following positive feedback, such as teachers reporting work efficiencies, the department is expanding the trial of NSWEduChat to all staff.

Engagement

In Term 1 2024, the department began a trial of its own generative AI tool, NSWEduChat, in 16 schools, expanding to 50 schools in Term 2. The trial currently continues in the 50 schools to all staff and students in stage 3 to stage 6 until the end of Term 4, 2024.​

The objective of the initial trial during Term 1 and Term 2 was to understand the impacts of generative AI on teaching and learning. Following positive feedback, such as teachers reporting work efficiencies, and high engagement from the 50 trial schools, the department is enabling access of the NSWEduChat tool to all staff.​

Department leading the project

NSW Department of Education