Anthropic has unveiled Claude for Teachers, a specialised version of its AI assistant and large language model rival to ChatGPT. While currently limited to the US, the launch underscores the expanding role of artificial intelligence in education. The programme is designed to generate lesson plans aligned with relevant curriculums. Educators in the UAE are already integrating similar tools into their workflows, reflecting a global shift toward tech-enabled instruction.
UAE Teachers Adopt AI Tools
A 2024 survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found 75 per cent of teachers in the UAE use AI in their work. This rate matches Singapore as the highest among OECD nations. Another study showed nearly half of teachers in the Emirates use ChatGPT weekly to design lessons and create instructional materials. The technology is deployed to reduce administrative burdens and enhance productivity. Bobby Johal, head of primary digital learning and teaching at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, highlighted the technology's impact on administrative tasks. He noted that AI helps with lesson plans, creating resources, and assessment analysis.
“AI saves teachers’ time, supports high-quality planning and personalisation, and gives students quicker feedback and more tailored learning,”
— Bobby Johal, Head of Primary Digital Learning and Teaching, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Johal added that the time saved can be redirected toward one-to-one support, pupil well-being, professional development, and building stronger relationships with students. This shift allows educators to focus more on direct interaction rather than paperwork.
Reducing Workloads and Personalising Learning
Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and the Global EdTech Prize, echoed this sentiment. He noted that time-consuming tasks have accumulated over time, pulling teachers away from their primary role. Pota suggested AI can efficiently close learning gaps through personalised learning tailored to each student. The winners of the Global EdTech Prize were announced at the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the region's focus on educational innovation. Dan Clark, founding principal of Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai Sports City, discussed the practical challenges of differentiation. He explained that creating multiple versions of a worksheet for a class of 20 children with different needs is difficult. An AI platform that understands these needs could process a master resource and personalize it for specific students, streamlining the adaptation process. The trend extends beyond the UAE. In the US, the private education operator Alpha has launched schools based around an AI tutor. This model provides students with 1:1 personalised education, with coursework tailored to their pace and level.
Frequently asked questions
How many UAE teachers use AI?
A 2024 OECD survey found 75 per cent of teachers in the UAE use AI in their work. This rate matches Singapore as the highest among OECD nations.
What is Claude for Teachers?
Claude for Teachers is a specialised AI assistant designed to generate lesson plans aligned with relevant curriculums. It aims to streamline planning and support diverse student needs.
How does AI help Dubai educators?
AI helps educators by reducing administrative burdens and creating resources like lesson plans. This saves time for one-to-one support and personalized learning.
Which Dubai schools use AI tools?
Nord Anglia International School Dubai and Queen Elizabeth’s School in Dubai Sports City are integrating AI. Educators there use tools for assessment analysis and differentiation.
