By Himal Randeniya · 17 September 2024
Originally published by LoveHeart, now Mana.
Updated 7 September 2026: clarified the assessment and planning cycle and educators' responsibilities when using AI.
LoveHeart uses generative AI in combination with custom-built models and pipelines to assist educators in generating documentation based on their observation.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Generative AI is a sophisticated technology that can be used as a tool to assist in the assessment and planning cycle in the education sector, specifically in evaluating a child's learning and development. This technology analyses data and uses it to create new information that can be used in planning and implementing new activities.
Element 1.3.1 of the National Quality Standard
Element 1.3.1 concerns an ongoing process: educators observe children's learning, interpret what they notice, document it, plan and implement experiences, and reflect on what happens. Documentation makes this process visible; producing a document alone does not demonstrate the whole cycle.
AI may help educators draft documentation or consider possible next steps. The educator remains responsible for the observations, interpretation and decisions. A tool's use does not, by itself, establish that a service meets the NQF. The service needs to assess how it uses the tool in its own practice.
In addition, LoveHeart does not replace the role of educators in the assessment and planning cycle. Educators are still responsible for observing, analysing, and documenting each child's learning progress and using this information to plan and implement new activities. LoveHeart simply provides educators with a powerful tool that can help them to do this more effectively and efficiently.
Use AI to support your thinking and writing while keeping professional judgement at the centre. Check that a draft accurately reflects the child and the learning you observed, then decide what it means for your program. Follow your service's agreed approach to AI and protect children's personal information.
