By Kirra Livingstone
A SUNSHINE Coast academic has predicted that AI tools will be ubiquitous in state school classrooms within the next three to five years.
UniSC Curriculum and Pedagogy lecturer, Dr Craig Johnston, said he believed there was a place for AI in classrooms and that schools should investigate how the burgeoning technology can be applied.
“My view is AI is here to stay,” he said.
“Our students at high school and university, they are going to be using AI in their careers in the future.
“We might as well show them how it works, what its drawbacks and limitations are, so that students can use it effectively.
“Schools that are taking a more considered, sensible approach to it all are looking at the way students can use AI ethically.”
AI websites are largely blocked on Queensland Government-run state schools’ internet browsers, limiting students and teachers from using them as a resource to enhance teaching and learning.
Private schools however are taking full advantage of the technology.
St John’s Catholic College at Nambour is one school embracing AI. “The main application/ AI tools include Microsoft Copilot, this is integrated into workflows to support teaching and administrative tasks, student use of ChatGPT, this facilitates research, ideation, and the creation of high-quality projects,” St John’s Principal, Martin Moloney, said.
“GPTZero ensures the originality of student work and promotes academic integrity and a suite of AI-driven tools streamlines administrative and compliance tasks, allowing staff to focus on student-centric activities.”
Mr Moloney added that they are ensuring AI tools complements student’s development of skills like critical thinking and problem solving.
“By integrating traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge technology, we offer innovative and contemporary subject offerings,” he said.
“This approach fosters positive academic outcomes and prepares students to be globally engaged and positively contributing citizens after school.
“Safeguarding and digital literacy are central to our approach, ensuring AI is used safely and effectively across all areas of learning.”
Dr Johnston said simple ways for students to use AI included suggesting essay topics, while teachers can create lesson plans to cater for students with different learning levels.
