Learning with AI in Primary Years
Our focus is equally on the human using the technology, as it is on the technology itself.
The integration of AI into educational settings presents both opportunities and responsibilities. For students under the age of 13, these responsibilities are heightened due to legal and ethical considerations around data privacy and online safety.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School we have a developed an intentional staged approach to the use of AI. What is important is to set a good foundation of learning and relationship with this technology. Our focus is on character education in an AI setting, where we work with students to build a solid understanding of their responsibilities, risks and opportunities. To set up with students in their primary school years an ethical framework for engaging with AI. Our focus is equally on the human using the technology, as it is on the technology itself.
In middle to lower primary years, teachers may us AI technology to assist in their building of learning activities or resources. However, students are not generally invited to or engaging in AI in the classroom, unless a specialised unit is designed with the approval of our Primary Leadership Team in consultation with our Director of AI and Digital Learning Innovation. A dedicated unit of work begins in Years 5 and 6 with the aim of setting a good foundation of knowledge and a solid ethical relationship with this technology.
Years 5–6: Setting a good foundation
The use of AI in our Primary Years is to enhance learning activities and enable students to establish a good moral compass when working with AI.
Students complete a tailored unit on AI which covers the key topics including AI safety, ethics and sustainability. Activities involve students creating innovative solutions to a real-life scenario using CANVA Magic. Students are already familiar with CANVA and using it as a design tool for their creative ideas. CANVA Magic provides students with an opportunity to extend their creative skills by identifying problems, planning solutions and creating digital prototypes. Brainstorming ideas, mapping designs and considering user interface and user experience principles are supported by a process encouraging creativity, collaboration and practical problem solving.
Other activities are developed collaboratively between our Primary Leadership Team and the Director of AI and Digital Learning Innovations.
The intention is for our students, as young people of character, to transition into their secondary years with an established ethical understanding of AI.
