Teachers at Tor Bank School in County Down are utilizing AI to empower students, particularly helping them find their creative voices. Noteworthy is 14-year-old Keelan, who composes music with AI, illustrating the technology’s potential to enhance educational engagement and emotional regulation. Despite concerns regarding AI’s impact, the teachers emphasize its role as a supportive tool, fostering individuality and creativity in their students.
In a County Down special school, teachers are ingeniously using artificial intelligence (AI) to empower students to express themselves. A notable example is Keelan, 14, who uses AI to compose his own songs, showcasing how technology can awaken creativity. According to ICT teacher Danielle Perry, “our children learn in a very, very different way,” highlighting the unique educational strategies tailored for these pupils.
Using AI allows computers to mimic human-like problem-solving, although they lack emotions and reasoning. Concerns have been raised in the music industry about the implications of AI on traditional artists. As generative AI programs analyze extensive data to produce seemingly human-made content, some universities see an increase in academic dishonesty as students exploit tools like ChatGPT to cheat.
Conversely, at Tor Bank, Keelan, who loves drumming, finds joy and inspiration in using AI. He describes his experience, stating, “I like playing the drums because it helps my mind,” emphasizing the therapeutic aspect of music creation. His teacher, Sinéad Oakes, reassures that AI fuels rather than replaces creativity, enabling him to write songs that integrate his musical talents.
Oakes adds that AI has significantly improved Keelan’s emotional regulation throughout the school day, proving it to be “phenomenal.” With technology being a powerful ally in education, she stresses the need for teachers to adapt their approach and learn how to effectively implement AI for their students’ benefit. Clear objectives and planning are essential in harnessing this technology.
While Keelan creates music, other students utilize AI for research and presentations, employing an application called Microsoft Copilot. Perry mentions, “They’re using it for topic research,” reflecting the diverse applications of AI in the classroom. By setting specific goals, they ensure tailored learning experiences for each student.
Acknowledging the individuality of the students, Perry highlights the importance of thoughtfully integrating AI into their learning. She reiterates that this process does not mean computers overshadow human interaction; instead, it encourages a creative partnership. For Oakes, AI’s potential is still being explored, recognizing that it remains “early days” for its full implementation at the school, with plans for future development.
The integration of AI in education at Tor Bank School exemplifies how technology can foster creativity and personal expression among students with special needs. By leveraging AI tools thoughtfully, teachers empower students like Keelan to create music and engage in research, promoting individuality in learning. This approach not only enhances their educational experience but also nurtures emotional well-being, highlighting the balance between technology and human creativity in modern classrooms.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
