Exploring the impact of AI

Institut International Saint-Dominique, Italy, considers the benefits and challenges that lie ahead for AI in education.

In this era of unfolding technology integration, where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, our school recently organised a conference to understand its effects. This conference brought together students from both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and French Baccalaureate curriculums to explore how AI affects them as students and citizens. The aim was to explore AI’s role in their lives, its ethical considerations, and the need to use it responsibly. 

The rapid development of AI technologies has raised significant controversies about their benefits and disadvantages. Students were asked to research and answer critical questions regarding the impact AI has on their education and daily lives. Key topics of discussion included:

• How does AI affect their lives as students and citizens? (IB Learner Profile: Inquirers, Reflective)
• Does AI have a positive or negative impact? (IB Learner Profile: Thinkers, Open-minded)
• Are students using AI correctly, or is it being overused? (IB Learner Profile: Principled, Balanced)

In preparation for the conference, students were divided into groups to explore these questions. They engaged in research, debates, and discussions, enhancing their understanding of the multifaceted role of AI. The groups then selected representatives to present their findings on the day of the conference. 

Weeks of intensive preparation fostered a sense of excitement and anticipation among the students. They were eager to share their insights and learn from their peers. Teachers provided guidance, but it was the students who took the lead, embodying the IB learner profiles in every step of the process. 

The debates were both enlightening and stimulating, highlighting different viewpoints on the influence of AI.

Positive Impacts: Our students acknowledged the benefits of AI in education, such as personalized learning experiences, improved research capabilities, and efficiency in completing tasks. AI tools like language translators, research databases, and educational apps have revolutionized how students learn and interact with information. (IB Learner Profile: Knowledgeable, Communicators) 

Negative Impacts: Concerns were raised about excessive reliance on AI, privacy concerns, and the possibility that AI can replicate biases. Students discussed how AI might contribute to a reduction in critical thinking skills if overused and highlighted the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities if not managed responsibly. (IB Learner Profile: Caring, Risk-takers) 

There was a general agreement on the responsible use of AI, the importance of critical thinking, and the use of ethics in AI technologies. While AI offers significant advantages, it must be integrated into our lives thoughtfully and ethically to avoid potential pitfalls. (IB Learner Profile: Principled, Thinkers) 

One student shared: “AI has definitely made studying easier, but we need to ensure that we’re not losing our ability to think independently.” 

Another added: “Privacy is a big issue. We need to be aware of how our data is used by AI systems.”

The conference culminated with a lecture from Dr. Olivier Guillet, a renowned expert in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Guillet provided a comprehensive overview of AI, its current applications, and future possibilities. He also discussed the ethical issues in the use of AI and the responsibility of users to ensure it is used for beneficial and ethical purposes. 

Dr. Guillet’s lecture was not just a presentation but an interactive session. He engaged with the students, posed thought-provoking questions, and encouraged them to think critically about AI. His insights underscored the need for education to navigate the complexities of AI and make informed decisions. He stressed that AI is a tool that can amplify human capabilities, but it must be guided by strong ethical principles to avoid misuse. (IB Learner Profile: Reflective, Thinkers)

“AI is a powerful tool,” Dr. Guillet explained. “But like any tool, it requires responsible handling. You, as the future generation, have the responsibility to shape its use in a way that benefits society as a whole.” 

The conference was a great success – valuable, informative, and enlightening for all who participated. It stirred the students up with a heightened interest in AI and its implications, highlighting the need for critical thinking and the incorporation of ethical considerations in the age of AI. The event enabled students to navigate the complexities of AI through informed discussions that provided expert insight. It also provided a platform for students to voice their opinions, learn from their peers, and interact with experts. (IB Learner Profile: Inquirers, Reflective)

One student said: “The conference has opened my eyes to the many different ways AI can be used, in both positive and negative ways. It has made me start to think about how I use technology in my own daily life.” 

Another student commented: “Dr. Guillet’s lecture was so enlightening. It made me understand the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and use.”

Teachers also reflected on the success of the conference. One teacher noted: “The level of engagement and critical thinking displayed by the students was truly inspiring. This conference has set a new standard for how we approach contemporary issues in education.” 

The conference did more than just inform; it empowered. It highlighted the importance of dialogue and critical inquiry in understanding and shaping the technologies that influence our world. It also demonstrated the value of the IB learner profile in guiding students to become thoughtful, ethical, and knowledgeable global citizens.

Looking into the future, our school remains committed to providing opportunities for students to engage with new technologies and their consequences. We hope that our experience will inspire other schools to undertake similar initiatives, fostering a well-rounded and informed approach to AI education. (IB Learner Profile: Communicators, Balanced) 

As technology continues to evolve, so too will our approach to education. By staying at the forefront of these changes and encouraging our students to think critically and ethically, we can ensure that they are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

This article first appeared in the 2024/25 edition of John Catt's Guide to International Schools, which you can read here: