TEACHERS in Witham are amongst the first in the UK to work alongside digital assistants in the classroom.

The New Rickstones Academy is helping to trial and develop new software called Merlyn Mind, an education version of the Amazon Alexa or Apple Homepod.

During lessons, students can ask the virtual assistant questions relating to their work, which aims to free up teachers’ time to spend with the class.

The technology has been tested by students in years seven to 11, during a variety of classes such as digital skills, computer science, retail, travel and tourism, and health and social care.

Students communicate with the device by saying “Hey Merlyn” before asking a question, similar to other types of assistant technology.

With a growing bank of questions and phrases it can understand, and an ability to ignore pranks, teachers believe it is able to provide students with meaningful responses.

Technology support officer Ben Moore said: “We are one of few schools in the UK trialling this type of technology in the classroom.

“This technology is still going through development, so New Rickstones Academy is helping to pave the way for other schools in the country to adopt this style of technology.

“We have been trialling the use of virtual assistants in the classroom to facilitate teaching and learning to maximise the direct time teachers get with students in lessons.

“The idea behind Merlyn Mind is to assist teachers and students, not to replace teachers but to adjust the way they work, day to day. 

“Students have enjoyed interacting with Merlyn and being able to independently ask questions without having to directly approach teachers, meaning they can take ownership of their own learning.

“We are hoping to expand the rooms that have Merlyn over the next few years, so that every student can interact with Merlyn and to increase the amount of teacher to student time in the classroom.”