The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ushered in a transformative era, prompting schools to adopt innovative technologies in education. In response to the evolving needs of the 21st century, The Salvation Army Centaline Charity Fund Queen’s Hill School has taken a proactive approach by integrating AI education throughout its curriculum. The primary goal is to empower students with the necessary skills to navigate the technological landscape and cultivate independent thinking.
Redefining Language Learning in an AI-Infused Era
With a solid dedication to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, the school has strategically integrated AI into its language learning curriculum. Principal Chan Hei Chuen explains, ‘STEAM education is a cornerstone of our developmental focus. AI platforms and tools benefit students' STEAM learning, so we have integrated AI with STEAM.’ Recognising the paramount importance of mastering 21st century skills, the school has applied AI for learning, teaching, experimenting, planning, and implementation across all subjects. In language learning, the school has seamlessly integrated AI into its Chinese and English curricula, empowering students to develop well-rounded listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Mr Lo Wai Tik, IT and STEAM Co-ordinator, illustrated, ‘For example, when exploring a Chinese poem, students would use AI to generate visual representations reflecting the poem's essence. This helps students better grasp the poem's meaning and enables teachers to have in-depth discussions with students.’ Moreover, the integration of AI-powered tools extends beyond comprehension and analysis. Students leverage AI to generate visual depictions of vocabulary, making memorising and comprehending linguistic knowledge easier. Furthermore, the school has utilised AI to provide students with instant feedback on their written assignments, enabling them to recognise and correct grammatical mistakes. With this tool, students may instantly get feedback on their pronunciation and work to improve in Putonghua lessons.
AI as a Complement to Guided Thinking and Self-learning
Principal Chan emphasises that AI is a part of the curriculum at all subjects and levels. In the lower primary, the main focuses are on image recognition and conceptualisation, while in the upper primary, the emphasis shifts to using large language models (LLMs). AI serves as a teaching assistant, allowing for adjustments to real-time content and teaching methodologies. Cultivating students' independent thinking skills is a key priority. ‘When a student wants to build an AI-powered car’, Principal Chan says, ‘the AI may help with the visual design. Nonetheless, the student remains responsible for various tasks, including conducting research, designing driving functions, and determining other elements like engine sounds.’
(Students leverage AI to generate visual representations of vocabulary words, which help them remember and retain linguistic knowledge.)
Furthermore, the school has introduced a custom chatbot, a tailored and modified language model – to extend learning beyond the classroom walls. This tool provides students with step-by-step guidance and prompts, encouraging independent research and exploration of knowledge beyond the textbook. It enhances students’ reading skills and lays a solid foundation for language learning. By strategically integrating AI into the curriculum, the school aims to complement guided thinking and self-directed learning. It empowers students to navigate the technological landscape and develop the essential skills needed for the 21st century.
AI-Integrated Campus TV Fosters a Creative Learning Atmosphere
Beyond the core curriculum, the school also integrated various AI elements into its co-curricular activities, exemplified by the Campus TV programme. This approach enables students to utilise AI to create virtual anchors, apply computer-generated effects, and develop storylines. ‘Incorporating AI into the Campus TV provides students with an early understanding of this technology and empowers them to produce scripts, dialogues, and music themselves, enhancing their sense of accomplishment,’ Principal Chan and Mr Lo explain. Furthermore, the school's interactive theatre component within Campus TV has nurtured an atmosphere of creative learning, encouraging students to unleash their creative potential in a supportive and engaging environment. Recognising the importance of information literacy, the school educates students on the responsible use of AI platforms and tools, fostering a solid ethical foundation and a positive mindset towards technology. Moreover, the school also organises information literacy seminars for parents, empowering the community to navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence and discernment.
(Using AI in learning stimulates students' curiosity and enhances their reading while searching for answers.)
(Students collaborate in groups to create AI vehicles using various AI platforms and tools.)
Race against Time to Compete with Technological Advancements
In an era of rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI, schools must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. As Principal Chan emphasises, ‘It is a race against time. Schools must compete with technological progress, with teachers working together as a team.’ To meet this challenge, the school has assembled a dedicated team of over ten pioneering teachers from diverse subject areas. Their mission is to explore the most suitable AI-powered products and devices for teaching and learning, with the goal of integrating these innovative tools into the school's curriculum at all levels. This effort ensures students access to an engaging and enriching learning experience. After purchasing the selected products, the teachers thoroughly reviewed and optimised the systems. Principal Chan believes that schools should adopt an open-minded approach, where teachers reflect on, examine, and communicate with current AI platforms and tools so that students can use AI properly to meet future challenges.