How PTAs can use AI
Image: Two women smiling at a desk with a laptop.
1) What exactly is it?
AI (or artificial intelligence) is software that uses algorithms to perform tasks or create content that we previously thought only humans could do. From generating writing and art to performing medical diagnoses and language translation, there are lots of potential uses for AI.
2) What is it useful for?
There are many tasks you could use AI for in your PTA, for example:
- Summarising AGM minutes
- Transcribing recorded meetings
- Writing grant applications
- Pitching to local businesses
- Creating social media posts
- Building emails
- Writing letters
- Designing posters and flyers
- Coming up with event ideas
- Writing risk assessments
- Setting up templates
Remember, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel – there are a host of resources and templates on Your PTA Expert that you can use for free.
3) There’s an app for that
We’ve all heard of ChatGPT. It’s a nifty app that creates copy when you feed it prompts, such as ‘Write a poster advertising a PTA inflatables day’. Here are some other AI tools you might want to try:
- Grammarly – a writing assistant that checks and perfects your ideas
- Canva – a simple-to-use design tool with AI capabilities
- NotebookLM – a research and note-taking tool
- ChatPDF – scans PDFs and answers any questions you have about them
- Zoom – creates live captions and meeting transcripts for Zoom calls
- Looka – helps with branding and marketing
4) Prompt or polish
While the possibilities of AI may seem endless, the technology isn’t perfect. We recommend using it to prompt or polish – either to generate ideas at the start of a project or to tidy it up at the end. AI is a great time saver, but you will still need to proofread, edit and sense check everything it makes.
5) When to use a human
There are times when a human being is still your best option:
- Anything legal – AI is great for translating legal jargon, creating templates for documents and spellchecking, but don’t use it instead of a professional.
- Video and photos – There’s something a little scary about AI photos and videos… Graphics can look impressive, but perhaps steer clear of anything animated or ‘realistic’.
- When asked not to – Some organisations have policies against the use of AI. For example, you might be asked not to use it for a grant application. Some schools also have concerns due to an increasing number of pupils using AI to cheat on homework and coursework. It might be worth speaking to your headteacher about the school’s policy.
- Professional parents – If you know of any parents in your school community who professionally do the sort of tasks that you want AI to help with, ask the parent first. It’s better for community-building, and the result will likely be much better. If they say no, you’ve always got AI to fall back on.
If you have any PTA-related questions, no need to ask ChatGPT, ask our Community Advisers by calling 0300 123 5460 or emailing [email protected]
6) Staying safe
As with all technology, there are risks involved in using AI. Never input private, personal or sensitive information, make sure you understand the privacy settings of the tool you’re using, and always report inappropriate and offensive results. Depending on how the AI has been developed, its results can sometimes be biased, so use it with caution and keep yourself informed of the potential risks.
7) Copyright (or copywrong)
One of the biggest issues with AI is that it trawls through copyrighted material and uses this to generate its results. It’s a bit of a grey area at the moment as AI has developed faster than laws have been able to keep up with, but new laws will be made, so be cautious – use AI as a helpful aid, not to make a finished product. You might also want to keep tabs on anything you share online that has been created using AI, just in case you need to take it down in the future.
8) Environmental impact
There is no shying away from the fact that AI is having a negative impact on our planet. It also uses a lot of water – according to the United Nations Environment Programme, AI ‘may soon consume six times more water than Denmark, a country of 6 million’. Try to be mindful of why and how often you use AI, and consider keeping an eye out for greener alternatives – technology is changing every day.
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