Technology is rapidly evolving and shaping every aspect of our lives, it is crucial that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate this digital world responsibly and ethically. At South Coast Baptist College, we are committed to preparing our students for the future by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) education appropriately and responsibly in our subjects.
Our AI integration is designed to not only teach students about the fundamentals of AI technology but also to foster a deep understanding of its ethical implications and responsible use. We believe that by instilling these values, we can help our students become informed digital citizens who can leverage AI to drive positive change in their lives and in the world around them.
What Our AI Program Covers:
- Understanding AI: Students learn the basics of AI, including how it works, its weaknesses, its applications across various fields, and its potential for the future.
- Ethical AI: We emphasise the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and use. Topics include data privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the social and personal impact of AI technologies.
- Responsible Use: Students are taught to use AI tools and resources responsibly, ensuring they do not give up their agency to AI.
- Critical Thinking: Research is emerging that shows AI use can diminish critical thinking. The SCBC AI is programmed to encourage critical thinking, not just to provide answers students can copy and paste.
- Creative Problem Solving: We encourage students to explore how AI can be used to solve real-world problems, fostering innovation and creativity.
By integrating AI education into our subjects, we aim to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow and the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.
Your concerns answered
Below are some common concerns you may have. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us.
1. Will AI replace teachers?
Answer: Not at SCBC. AI is a tool that can enhance teaching and learning. Teachers will continue to play a vital role in guiding students, fostering critical thinking, and providing support.
2. Will my child become overly reliant on AI and lose essential skills like problem-solving and critical thinking?
Answer: Our goal is to use AI to strengthen, not replace, these essential skills. We will teach students how to use AI as a tool for research, exploration, and creativity while emphasising the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving. We will ensure that students understand the limitations of AI and learn to evaluate information critically, regardless of its source. This website is designed to respond to students as a tutor would and not do all the work for them.
3. Is AI going to invade my child’s privacy?
Answer: We take student privacy very seriously. Teachers are required to select AI tools that comply with all relevant privacy regulations. This site provides privacy for students, and their data will not be used for further training of AI models.
4. Will my child learn about AI ethics and responsible use?
Answer: Yes, digital literacy and ethical considerations surrounding AI are essential teaching points that are taught to all year groups. We will teach students about the potential benefits and risks of AI, how to use it responsibly, and how to be critical consumers of information in an increasingly AI-driven world.
5. How will AI affect my child’s social and emotional development?
Answer: We understand the importance of social and emotional learning. While AI can enhance certain aspects of education, it will not entirely replace human interaction and collaboration. We will continue with non-digital activities that foster teamwork, communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
6. What training do teachers have to use AI effectively in the classroom?
Answer: We are providing our teachers with professional development opportunities to learn how to integrate AI tools into their teaching practices effectively. This training will cover pedagogical strategies, ethical considerations, and technical skills related to using AI in education.
7. How can I stay informed about the use of AI in my child’s education?
Answer: We will communicate with parents about our AI initiatives through our newsletter and information evenings.
8. Will AI be used for assessment and grading?
Answer: AI can assist with tasks like grading assessments. However, teachers will always be involved in the evaluation process, ensuring fairness and considering individual student circumstances. In the same way we don’t want students to rely on AI, we do not want our teachers to totally rely on AI either.
9. Is AI suitable for all learning styles and abilities?
Answer: One of the potentials of AI is personalised learning capabilities, allowing immediate adjustments to the pace, content, and presentation of material to meet individual needs, making education more inclusive and accessible.
10. What AI does SCBC use to power this website?
Answer: We are currently using Open AI’s o3-mini.