Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education, offering new ways to personalise learning and preparing students for the future of learning. Understanding how to integrate AI tools for education thoughtfully and ethically has become a critical priority for educators.
The 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar provided an invaluable platform for educators worldwide to explore these opportunities and challenges.
Windclaire Mendez, a teacher at SMMIS and a member of the school's IT committee, described the seminar as a transformative experience.
"The chance to learn from experts and collaborate with educators from around the world was an invaluable opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to bring back to my school community.
Her primary goal was to explore practical applications of AI in education while addressing critical considerations such as inclusivity and ethics.
In Windclaire's words, "As a teacher, my expectations for the seminar were focused on gaining practical knowledge about AI tools, understanding the ethical considerations involved, and learning best practices for effective implementation in education," she shares.
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The 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar brought educators from 17 countries together to encourage collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas. During the seminar, participants explored how AI tools for education can improve the student experience. It also addressed key questions such as the ethical use of AI, inclusivity in education, and accessibility for all users.
For Windclaire, attending the seminar was an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of learning.
She says, "The chance to learn from experts and collaborate with educators from around the world was an invaluable opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to bring back to my school community."
With such a diverse group of participants, their collective experiences provided Windclaire with the opportunity to learn more about the practical application of AI across different educational contexts.
In Windclaire's words, "The seminar delivered a valuable mix of theoretical insights and hands-on sessions, offering actionable strategies that I am excited to bring back to my school."
A highlight for Windclaire was a presentation by Andrew Dax from Queen Anne's School on generative AI models. During his session, Dax touched on AI's ability to create more inclusive learning environments while enabling education to be personalised for individual needs.
This was particularly inspiring for Windclaire as it aligned with her goal of ensuring that every student at SMMIS — regardless of background or ability — has access to equitable and engaging learning opportunities.
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Artificial intelligence is reshaping education by unlocking new teaching, learning, and student engagement possibilities. The seminar showcased how AI tools for education can personalise learning experiences, foster inclusivity, and prepare students for the future of learning. For Windclaire, the opportunity to see these innovations in action was eye-opening.
One of the most compelling takeaways from the seminar was how AI is being used in areas like Design and Technology and Makerspace lessons. These projects, often powered by AI tools, are helping students develop vital skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Windclaire was particularly inspired by how these methodologies enable students to tackle real-world challenges and adapt to an increasingly technology-driven world.
She reflects, "It has broadened my perspective on how AI can empower students to meet the challenges of an increasingly technology-driven world, fostering not only technical competence but also adaptability and innovation across various disciplines."
AI also holds the potential to support diversity and inclusivity by addressing the unique needs of individual learners. Tools like generative AI models can help teachers personalise lessons, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive regardless of their abilities. This approach aligns with SMMIS's inclusive ethos, reinforcing the school's commitment to equitable education for all.
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Inspired by her experience at the 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar, Windclaire returned to SMMIS with plenty of fresh insights to help her students. One of her immediate goals is to conduct workshops for her colleagues, sharing the practical applications of AI that were explored during the seminar. These sessions will focus on using AI to personalise education, improve assessment methods, and create more dynamic learning environments.
She is passionate about applying AI tools to support inclusive education, ensuring that all students can access tailored support that fosters confidence and growth regardless of their learning needs.
A key focus of these implementations is maintaining a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. The seminar's emphasis on data privacy, bias in AI, and responsible usage resonates strongly with SMMIS's values as one of the most inclusive schools in Singapore. By integrating these ethical considerations into the school's approach, SMMIS aims to harness AI's potential while safeguarding student wellbeing.
Through these efforts, SMMIS continues to position itself as a leader amongst international schools in Singapore. It uses cutting-edge tools to enrich the learning experience and prepare students for the future.
The World ORT network provides an invaluable platform for educators and schools to stay at the forefront of education innovation.
For Windclaire, attending the 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar offered a deeper appreciation for the network's mission of fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence in teaching.
"The connections we build and the ideas we exchange within this network profoundly enrich our practices and empower us to make a meaningful, lasting impact," she shares.
For schools like SMMIS, joining the World ORT network means access to global expertise, cutting-edge resources, and opportunities that drive transformative learning experiences.
Through this affiliation, SMMIS benefits from the collective knowledge of educators worldwide. This enables the school to implement innovative tools like AI in education while maintaining its focus on inclusivity.
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The insights gained from the 2024 World ORT Hatter Technology Seminar underscore the transformative potential of AI tools for education when applied thoughtfully and ethically. For educators like Windclaire Mendez, the experience has been a catalyst for driving meaningful change at SMMIS, enriching teaching practices and student engagement.
As part of the World ORT network, SMMIS is uniquely positioned to leverage global innovations while staying true to its inclusivity and student-centred learning values. With its commitment to preparing students for the future of learning, SMMIS stands out as one of the leading international schools in Singapore.
Learn more about how SMMIS is shaping the future of education: https://www.smmis.edu.sg/get-in-touch/contact-us
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