Schools embrace AI and technology to elevate education

Leading independent schools are embracing innovative approaches to using technology in the classroom, setting students up for success in a changing world.

With campuses in Melbourne, Darwin, and China, as well as its online school, Pangea, Haileybury uses technology to develop learning materials that students can easily access across all its campuses. Thus, students learn about technology in every subject.

“Our students will need to navigate a world where artificial intelligence (AI) will create rapid changes,” says Michelle Dennis, Haileybury’s Head of Digital.

“In addition to our whole-school, principled approach to AI, we have been supporting staff with professional development so they can address AI in the classroom, including a one-term AI Mastery course launched in 2024.”

Dennis says when teaching students about technology, it’s essential to include an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages.

“They need to spot opportunities and risks with tech, while having the mindset to plan and follow through to take advantage of these opportunities and appropriately manage risk. That’s why giving mindful and carefully scaffolded exposure to emerging technologies is part of this preparation.”

For instance, during computer science studies, students learn how to use AI and explore the critical issues of data privacy and security. They also develop chatbots, learn about robotics, and explore new technologies.

Students have also designed and built a human-powered vehicle in the school’s Energy Breakthrough competition and created a drone to protect seaweed ecosystems in the Young ICT Explorers program.

“Few professions are untouched by technology, especially in the age of AI,” says Dennis.” The students who will be able to adapt and succeed are the ones who are comfortable learning new technologies.”

At Fintona Girls’ School, technology is mindfully integrated across the curriculum, says Michelle Maglitto, the school’s Learning Area Leader: English.

“Technology can enhance or inhibit learning. It needs to align with our learning and teaching philosophy and connect to the school’s values, goals and ethos.”

Fintona trials any technology before integrating it into the school, which involves investigating its benefits. “We use technology only when it augments, complements or consolidates what we are teaching,” says Maglitto.

She uses Reading Progress, part of the Microsoft Teams platform, with her Year 7 English Enhancement class to build students’ reading fluency skills. After students record themselves reading a written text, the software generates AI feedback on elements like pronunciation and intonation. She analyses each student’s results and can use the data to identify class-wide trends.

“Generative AI platforms can be used to plan or edit written responses in an English classroom. But the students need to know the text they are studying, understand how to use language and know about register, form, audience and purpose. They need to know how to authenticate the information provided,” says Maglitto.

“Of course, generative AI platforms can write complete essays and responses. But students still need to understand how to generate effective prompts and evaluate the response provided.”

Maglitto says AI technology that encourages and promotes collaboration is a valuable teaching tool. “It is most powerful if student reflection and peer and teacher feedback is part of it. I would not use technology in isolation. Collaboration between students and the teacher is an essential part of the learning process.”

Looking ahead, Fintona is using technology to prepare students for the workforce.

“Technology is an integral part of the 21st-century workplace. By being taught how to use technology thoughtfully, through a critical lens, students are well placed to navigate the technology at their disposal, using it purposely and ethically.”