AI and human editorial expertise: A powerful partnership

As generative AI (GAI) tools become increasingly common and sophisticated, we've seen first-hand how they can help educational organisations and publishers produce learning materials quickly and efficiently while improving how students learn.

However, some of our recent projects – where customers have specifically asked us to integrate GAI into content development – have highlighted just how crucial human editorial oversight remains to ensure quality.

At Haremi, our editors have developed workflows and best practices to guarantee that AI-generated content meets the highest standards. This article explains why an editorial review is essential for AI-created learning materials and explains how our team works to make sure AI content is effective for learners.

Accuracy and fact-checking

While GAI models can produce text that sounds convincing, fluency doesn't guarantee accuracy. These tools sometimes ‘hallucinate' – presenting false information as fact. Haremi's editors apply their subject expertise and research skills to thoroughly check all facts, data, and terminology, catching errors that GAI might overlook. For instance, when GAI confused biological and atomic nuclei in a recent STEM product, our editors ensured the correct context and usage, upholding the integrity and reliability of the content.

Adapting for educational level and learner readiness

GAI may generate content that is technically correct, but does not always tailor content to the specific cognitive and developmental stages of learners. This is where Haremi's editors add unique value. They carefully evaluate whether material is pitched at the right difficulty, ensuring it neither overwhelms nor under-challenges learners. By scrutinising language, conceptual steps, and supporting explanations, our editors can shape resources to be accessible and appropriate for different ages and abilities.

Progression and curriculum alignment

While GAI often generates clear, modular content, it frequently overlooks the need for coherent sequencing and curriculum fit. Haremi's editors can weave isolated pieces into a meaningful educational journey. They assess whether lessons build logically on previous knowledge, reinforce essential concepts, and anticipate the next steps in learning. They can also verify that all materials meet curriculum standards and support the intended learning outcomes, addressing any gaps, redundancies, or inconsistencies. Through these checks, Haremi ensures that resources not only make sense in isolation, but also contribute to long-term mastery and learner success.

Enhancing language and style

AI-generated writing can often overlook subtle nuances, resulting in text that feels generic, or misaligned with an organisation's established style. Human editors play a crucial role in refining this content for clarity and cohesion. At Haremi, we pay close attention to word choice, structure, and formatting, and eliminate awkward phrasing and tonal inconsistencies, ensuring that every piece of text adheres to a customer's specific style guide and brand identity.

Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

GAI models are trained on vast data sets, many of which carry historical or societal biases. While AI-generated content may inadvertently reproduce stereotypes or overlook diverse perspectives, our editors can take GAI content and proactively embed inclusive language, culturally responsive examples and representational equity across characters, names, case studies and imagery. For example, a human DEI review might flag a science problem that always assumes able-bodied students, or a literature module that centres only on Western narratives. Our editors can ensure that learning content is respectful, affirming and relevant to learners across all backgrounds, abilities and identities.

Beyond DEI, editors also play a broader ethical role. AI may present content as neutral when it reflects particular value systems. Haremi's skilled editors can interrogate framing choices: ‘Does this economic lesson reflect multiple worldviews? Does this historical summary downplay injustice?' By identifying subtle biases, they can help content achieve balance and integrity.

Identifying third-party content for clearance or credit

The use of third-party content in educational resources is governed by strict copyright laws, typically requiring permission from the copyright holder. AI-generated content may include third-party material that requires clearance or credit. Haremi's editors are adept at identifying IP infringements and ensuring that proper permissions are obtained or appropriate credits are given.

Interactivity and learner engagement methods

GAI can generate question banks or activities, but it doesn't always account for pedagogical variety or ways to enhance learner engagement. In recent customer projects, we've enriched AI-generated exercises by varying question and interactivity formats, aligning them with learning outcomes and ensuring they promote critical thinking rather than recall alone.

Taking these points in combination, it's our view that the human editorial role is more vital than ever in the production of educational content. While GAI is capable of accelerating the content creation process, only experienced editors can ensure that what's created is fit for purpose: accurate, level-appropriate, relevant, inclusive and engaging.

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