Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay!
As educators in a digital world, we at Hilden Oaks Prep, have become accustomed to the rapidly changing nature of technology. AI has suddenly raced into our lives seemingly from nowhere. Mr Joe Makey, computing co-ordinator at Hilden Oaks, observes;
“I believe that our role as digital educators is to prepare children for the world of technology in the next 10+ years and beyond! We do not know what this world will look like – but must encourage our children to be critical and curious. Nothing has brought these concepts together as clearly and accessibly as AI.”
Of course, AI does present challenges. The risk of children finding unreliable information is high. If well written, an AI article could potentially mislead children and provide inaccurate information.
We also have to consider carefully how to manage our pupils’ mental health from seemingly inescapable technology. At Hilden Oaks we explore how to manage this balance by promoting ‘Digital sunsets’ – a time where family all put their devices down for the evening.
We must, however, weigh up the learning opportunities that AI can present. A pupil struggling for that ‘spark’ to get a story going could find one. A child wondering what Picasso and Mondrian could create together could finally be inspired. The internet is a powerful learning tool. Our job is to make sure that our children are educated to use it to its full potential. Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay – as are we!
For further information about Hilden Oaks Prep please go to: www.hildenoaks.co.uk
Author: Helen Loder
Co-Director of Sevenoaks Mums