Generative AI research
Generative AI in Scottish education: Learner experiences and attitudes in Schools and Colleges
This report presents the findings from our consultation with school and college-based learners about their use of and attitudes towards generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
- Research Summary — Generative Artificial Intelligence in Scottish Education: Learner Experiences and Attitudes (105 KB)
Published October 2025
- Generative Artificial Intelligence in Scottish Education: Learner Experiences and Attitudes in Schools and Colleges (602 KB)
Published October 2025
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Learners with Additional Support Needs: Literature Review
The number of learners with additional support needs in Scotland has risen in recent years. Since 2019, the number of requests for reasonable adjustment received by us has increased by 32%. There is a growing body of research that indicates Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has the potential to support learners with ASN.
What are we trying to find out?
- In primary research publications, what are the emerging AI tools that have been investigated for their use in supporting learners with ASN worldwide?
- How effective have these emerging AI tools been in supporting learners with ASN in the literature?
What did we learn?
The literature indicates that, in general, GenAI tools show promise for supporting learners with ASN. In particular, the GenAI tools researched may enhance ASN learners’ self-directed learning to facilitate parity with their peers.
The research demonstrated that:
- AI chatbot assistants such as ChatGPT may help learners with dyslexia, anxiety/stress, visual impairments and ESOL learners
- Grammar and spelling correction AI tools can be used to support learners with dyslexia
- Avatar or humanoid robots could support learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- AI-assisted task managers may be used to support learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Text-to-image AI generators may help learners with fine motor disabilities
- Speech-to-text AI generators may be a source of support for learners with visual impairments
What will change because of the research?
The studies provide a starting point to carry out further research and inquiry into this issue, and how these tools could be used to support learners with ASN with their qualifications
- Generative Artificial Intelligence and Learners with Additional Support Needs: Literature Review (320 KB)
Published March 2025
Generative AI Consultation Survey Focus group findings
Our GenAI Consultation Focus Groups report represents the second stage of our consultation on the use of AI in education.
The insights gained in the reports, along with our continued engagement with other UK qualifications regulators and awarding bodies, teachers, lecturers, and other stakeholders across Scottish education will help to inform further updates to our guidance.
The publication of the report findings informed our current position on candidates’ use of GenAI in assessments which will remain in place for the coming 2024-25 academic session.
- Generative AI Consultation Practitioner Focus Groups (216 KB)
Published February 2025
Generative AI Consultation Survey Results
Our analysis of the Generative AI Consultation (GenAI) Survey represents the first stage in a wider consultation of practitioners on GenAI use in education, with a particular focus on the response to SQA’s position on the use of GenAI in assessment.
- Generative AI Consultation Survey Results (842 KB)
Published June 2024