CXC develops regional AI policy framework to support member states in education

With nearly 70 per cent of its member states lacking a formal policy on artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has developed a regional policy framework to help guide governments in creating and strengthening their own strategies.

“CXC is not involved in the development of AI policy at the national level, but we provide sound guidance and support to member states so that they can do it responsibly, as they work to implement responsible generative AI policy,” said Dr Eduardo Ali, Pro-Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of CXC, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

The Government of Anguilla was the first territory to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), confirming CXC’s support in its policy development.

“What we will do is have our technical team work through the interventions. That will require consultations and collaboration with the Government of Anguilla and their designated team to translate the AI policy framework—ensuring a clear understanding of what is required on their end so they can continue the development process,” Ali explained.

CXC has also urged more countries to sign the MOU to promote policy consistency across the region.

“For us to benefit as a region, we need harmonised development in the use of technology across the board. It won’t help if one state moves ahead quickly while others struggle to keep up, because CXC exams are not territorial,” said Rodney Payne, CXC’s Director of Technological Innovation and Information Technology Services.

Jamaica’s Ministry of Education is among the first in the region to implement an AI policy in education.

Recently, the Ministry introduced a pilot programme in several schools, where AI is being used to assist teachers with marking papers.

“We are actually piloting this with some of our schools to see how it works. The interesting thing is that we at the Ministry can see the results in real time—as it marks, we can track how the schools are performing. That’s just one example of how we are already using AI,” said Minister of Education, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, during her recent contribution to the Appropriation Bill debate in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Dr Wayne Wesley, Chief Executive Officer of CXC, said this initiative is part of CXC’s repositioning strategy to enhance regional impact and global influence by providing relevant and high-quality educational services.

“Much is expected of CXC, and we will not shrink back from our responsibilities. Instead, we will move courageously and boldly in shaping and transforming education within the region. To be successful, we know we must listen more to our stakeholders,” he said.

- Sashana Small

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.