Leeds-based agency develops first UK AI teacher for key stage 3 and 4 subjects.
- AI trained using data from UK teachers, following national curriculum methods.
- The innovative project aims to expand educational access globally at a low cost.
- Manda, the AI tutor, offers maths and English support for £10 a month.
- The AI’s development reflects burgeoning interest in educational technology.
A pioneering initiative by Leeds firm Definition has led to the creation of ‘Manda’, the first AI teacher in the UK designed to assist with key stage 3 and 4 maths and English. Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Manda has been trained with data sourced directly from UK teachers, ensuring adherence to nationally approved teaching methods. This represents a significant milestone in educational technology, potentially transforming how students access learning resources.
Developed for TLC LIVE, an online tuition provider, the AI model is powered by the 8B parameter Llama 3 model from Meta. This AI leverages 550,000 minutes of transcribed educational content from over 300 qualified UK teachers. Definition’s team meticulously curated this data, stripping out personal information and focusing on key educational content, to train Manda effectively.
The AI, named Manda, is integrated into a tutoring platform that allows continuous updates in line with curriculum changes. This adaptability ensures the teaching methods remain current and effective. As noted by Luke Budka, Definition’s AI director, this approach not only utilises TLC’s existing resources but also opens new revenue streams by providing an innovative, low-cost educational service at £10 monthly or £100 annually per student.
The introduction of Manda aligns with ongoing advancements in AI applications in the educational sector. Simon Barnes, CEO of TLC, acknowledges that while AI cannot fully replicate the experience of a live teacher, it provides a valuable alternative by making quality education more accessible. The platform offers an appealing option for those seeking affordable tutoring, amidst a rapidly growing market of AI educational tools.
Josh Blackburn, TLC’s COO, pointed out that the launch coincided with governmental initiatives using AI to support educational processes, such as marking and lesson planning. Manda’s use of AI is restricted to generating text and code, with a knowledge cut-off in March 2023. The system, monitored and regularly enhanced by TLC’s academic team, ensures high-quality interaction and maintains strict security standards with encrypted storage of student interactions.
Manda embodies an innovative leap in educational technology, presenting promising opportunities for affordable, quality online learning.
