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I totally agree with your observations about the video of the Chinese classroom, Fiona. It completely unnerved me also and shows how a good thing can go badly wrong, if not carefully monitored. It gives us a timely reminder to pace ourselves with AI, not to use it to excess- like everything really- moderation is best!
This module has opened my eyes to the powerful impact AI can have on teaching and learning. Reflecting on last year’s class, I see how tools like Immersive Reader could support diverse learning needs and truly make a difference in a child’s progress. While introducing new technology takes time, especially to teach students how to use it effectively, whole-class demonstrations on the interactive whiteboard and targeted SET support could help children become confident users. For students who require assistive technology, integrating these tools into their School Support Plans would be a valuable step.
I also love the potential of platforms like Minecraft Education. It has the power to transform traditional lessons into engaging, hands-on experiences that students love. Let’s face it – motivation can be a challenge and using tools that spark curiosity can make all the difference. As well as that, children are already very familiar with Minecraft, viewing it merely as a game to play in their free time. Introducing it to the classroom would definitely gain full engagement!
You raise some really important points, Aidan, especially around over-reliance on AI. While it’s true that AI can be a great time-saving tool, there’s a real danger in leaning on it too heavily—particularly when it comes to assessment. AI can certainly generate quizzes or track patterns, but it lacks the nuance that comes with a teacher’s lived experience and personal connection to students. No algorithm can replace the value of classroom observations, conversations, or the ability to read between the lines of a student’s response.
There’s also a genuine concern around student creativity and critical thinking. If learners become too dependent on AI to generate ideas or complete tasks, they may lose the ability—or even the motivation—to think independently. That’s a huge risk, especially in areas like the arts where originality and expression are key. Moving forward, I think we need to strike a balance: using AI as a tool, not a crutch.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI tools are starting to shape the classroom, and it’s clear they’re going to have a big impact on how we teach, learn, and assess students in the future. Tools like ChatGPT and others can really help students by giving them instant feedback, breaking down complex ideas, or even just helping them brainstorm when they’re stuck. It’s like having a learning assistant that’s available 24/7.
For teachers, I think AI can help free up time—especially with things like marking or creating differentiated resources. That could mean more time for actual teaching and connecting with students. But we do need to be careful. There’s a risk of students becoming too reliant on AI, and we’ll have to rethink how we assess learning to make sure it’s still meaningful and fair.