In this special episode of the NIS Voices podcast, hosted by an AI chatbot named “Nissa”, guests Kasson Bratton, Director of Learning, and Dr. Shannon Doak, Director of Technology, discussed the current state and future of AI in education. The conversation highlighted the varied applications of AI across educational systems, the need for adapting educational practices to the rapid evolution of AI, and the impact of AI on assessment and teaching methodologies. Guests emphasised the ongoing efforts to integrate AI responsibly in educational settings and addressed the challenges and opportunities this integration presents.
The discussion went into the specific implementation of AI at Nanjing International School. Our school is cautiously incorporating AI into our educational framework, aiming to use it ethically as a tool for enhancing personalised learning. AI integration at NIS is a process that involves ongoing teacher training, the creation of our philosophy and practices document, and initiating pilot programmes like using AI tools in Grade 9 classes. Mr. Bratton and Dr. Doak acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the fast pace of AI development, all while underlining the importance of developing teaching and assessment methods to prevent a digital divide among students.
The episode also covered the role of parents and the broader school community in understanding and supporting AI in education. Guests encouraged parents to educate themselves about AI, experience it firsthand, and learn from their children's engagement with the technology. This approach facilitates open dialogue at home about the ethical use and purpose of AI in education. At NIS, the shift in parental concerns from preventing cheating to ensuring their children have the skills to effectively use AI demonstrates the evolving perception and acceptance of AI in our school – a product of our ongoing engagement and communication in navigating the intersection of AI and education.
