AI in Schools: Hype, Fear, and the Alcuin Difference

Published: February 03, 2025 4:42PM PDT    |   Updated: February 03, 2025 5:02PM PDT

Published: April 18, 2023 3:21PM PDT
Updated: April 20, 2023 3:21PM PDT 

AI in Schools: Hype, Fear, and the Alcuin Difference​

When we first planned this AI workshop, our goal wasn’t to convince anyone that AI is the future; it already is. The real conversation we needed to have was about how we, as a school community, choose to embrace it. AI is not here to replace teachers, nor should it reduce the time educators spend with students. Instead, it takes on repetitive tasks, allowing teachers to focus on mentoring, challenging, and inspiring students in more meaningful ways. 

At Alcuin, we have the privilege of being a small, adaptable school with a team of tech-savvy educators who not only recognize AI’s potential but also understand the responsibility that comes with it. Stella, Tish, and I have spent countless hours discussing how AI can best serve our students, not as a shortcut, but as a tool for deeper learning. While larger institutions may struggle with slow adaptation, we have been able to move strategically, embedding AI into our culture in a way that fosters understanding rather than fear. This didn’t happen by chance. It took intentional planning, ongoing discussions, and a commitment to working harder and smarter to ensure that AI enhances education rather than diminishes it. 

During the workshop, we explored several AI tools, discussed their applications, and had great conversations about their role in education. In fact, we ran out of time before we could even cover all the slides! But this workshop was never just about showcasing tools. It was about demonstrating the strategic thinking that has shaped our approach for years. For example, since 2019, I have had students watch films like The Matrix, which raised questions about AI back in 1999, Inception, which challenges perceptions of reality and technology, and Jurassic Park, which warns of scientific advancements outpacing ethical considerations. These are not just movies; they are thought experiments that have helped our students engage with complex ideas long before these discussions became mainstream. This is the vision we have: an education that doesn’t just react to the future but anticipates it. 

A quote from my mentor often comes to mind when students question why they learn certain things they may never use in their daily lives. When asked about complex math formulas, he would say: 

“We are not training technicians who are learning specific skills for specific jobs. We are training thinkers for jobs that might not even exist yet. Education is not just about what you need today; it’s about preparing you to adapt, innovate, and lead in a future that is still unfolding.”

This philosophy is at the heart of what we do at Alcuin. We are not just teaching students how to use AI; we are preparing them to navigate, and shape, a world that will be defined by it. Because of our strategic planning, commitment to innovation, and strong sense of responsibility, our students are not just keeping up with the future. They are ready to lead it. 

FROM ALCUIN PARENTS

“Prior to Mr. Amir’s presentation, there was a significant amount of uncertainty amongst Alcuin parents about the role of Artificial Intelligence in education. Some saw it as a valuable tool, while others worried about its impact on creativity, learning integrity, and the role of teachers. AI was viewed as either a futuristic convenience or a potential disruption.
 
Mr. Amir introduced various AI tools already being used at Alcuin to enhance education. ChatGPT aids with research and writing, Suno makes learning interactive through AI-generated music, and tools like Quick Draw and AutoDraw boost creativity and problem-solving. ChatPDF allows students to quickly analyze documents, AudioPen supports audio note-taking, and Video Highlight condenses learning materials efficiently. Perplexity, an AI-powered search tool, was also highlighted for deepening research capabilities.
 
By the end of the evening, perspectives had shifted. More parents were able to understand AI not as a threat but as an aid that, when integrated responsibly, enhances engagement and personalized learning. The key takeaway was that AI is not here to replace educators but to support them, helping students develop essential skills for an evolving world. Mr. Amir’s insights reassured parents that with thoughtful implementation, AI can be a powerful ally in education.”
 
– Fahrin and Trevor
Author
Amir Rezaeifarrokh
Vice Principal

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© 2023 by Alcuin College. All rights reserved.
© 2023 by Alcuin College. All rights reserved.

FEB 4 2025: School is CLOSED today due to snow and ice conditions.