Teachers at Multiverse, a tech training company co-founded by Euan Blair, have expressed concerns over the stress and anxiety caused by an AI monitoring system implemented to evaluate their teaching performance. This system, which analyzes transcripts of online classroom sessions, has led to feelings of being constantly surveilled and has affected the well-being of instructors delivering apprenticeship training in computer and AI skills.
AI Monitoring System
The AI is designed to flag potential issues in teaching performance, such as delays in addressing online disruptions or the use of filler phrases like "sort of" and "kind of." Instructors have described the monitoring as "remorseless" and "unnerving," with some reporting sleep disturbances and seeking therapy due to the pressure.
Multiverse, valued at £1.6 billion, employs over 800 staff and provides training funded largely through the UK government’s apprenticeship levy. Euan Blair, the son of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, is a proponent of AI integration in the workforce, stating that "every single worker is going to need to be retrained."
Impact on Teachers
Teachers have reported that the AI system tracks their performance for several hours daily, a significant increase from previous human oversight. The AI assesses instructors based on various criteria, including their ability to engage students and provide clear instructions. One teacher noted:
