With our commitment to future-focused education, we are so excited to share with you that UA is moving forward with an innovative way to incorporate generative AI into student learning.
Our first step was for Middle and Senior School staff to establish and communicate clear guidelines for when and how students can use AI in their assignments to ensure that our students understand what academic integrity looks like. By providing explicit permissions and guidance, we aim to empower students to harness AI tools responsibly while understanding their ethical, social, and environmental implications. Students are now quite clear on these parameters.
Moving forward, while considering the latest research on the best uses of AI in education, Urban Academy will be rolling out a pilot program using Flint AI with our Grade 9 and 11 students in January. Flint AI is designed with teaching and learning in mind while maintaining student privacy and security. It fosters stronger learning outcomes by being thought-provoking. Instead of providing answers (like Chat GPT), Flint AI challenges students by asking the right questions to deepen their understanding. Students will be able to:
- Have conversations with historical figures or literary characters. Imagine debating policy with Winston Churchill or discussing symbolism with Lady Macbeth.
- Offering progressive questioning. Students tackle increasingly complex problems, building confidence and mastery step by step.
- Allow for language practice. To have interactive conversations in another language provide immersive, learning experiences.
This tool has the potential to act as a 1:1 personal tutor, capable of supporting students across all subjects. An additional benefit is that it has been designed so that teachers are able to see the engagement between the chatbot activities and students – a tool to provide further direction in their own teaching.
This pilot program will help us evaluate whether Flint AI aligns with the needs of our students and our school’s educational context. With so many AI tools available, this trial is crucial to determining which approach is the right choice for our learners.
We know that engaging in this conversation is new to families as well, so we would like to support our community in this journey and encourage you to explore the BC Ministry of Education’s recently released document All About Artificial Intelligence: Information for Parents and Caregivers. This resource offers valuable insights and serves as an excellent starting point for family discussions about AI.
We look forward to seeing how this initiative will inspire our students, enhance their critical thinking skills, and transform the way Urban Academy approaches teaching and learning. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey!
Ashley Bayles
Sr. Teacher & Ed Tech Coach