We have to be creative when using AI - special school teacher

At Tor Bank School in County Down, teachers are embracing the power of artificial intelligence, or AI, to help their students express themselves creatively. One notable student, 14-year-old Keelan, has been using AI programs to write his own songs. Keelan, who is passionate about drumming, finds that AI enhances his creativity. His ICT teacher, Danielle Perry, shared with BBC News NI that 'our children learn in a very, very different way. ' Even when some students struggle to find their voices, AI provides them with a platform to bring their ideas to life. Keelan expressed, 'I like playing the drums because it helps my mind. ' He enjoys typing out his thoughts and transforming them into music, stating, 'It just makes all my favorite things into a song. ' This illustrates how AI can empower students like Keelan to discover their voices and showcase their creativity. The teachers at Tor Bank believe that AI is a valuable tool for their students. Sinéad Oakes, another teacher at the school, emphasized that AI encourages creativity rather than replacing it. She explained, 'We've used AI in a way that he is able to write his own music. ' Keelan can play the drums and sing along to the songs he creates with the assistance of AI. Sinéad also highlighted the positive impact of AI on Keelan's emotional regulation throughout the school day, describing it as 'phenomenal. ' This demonstrates how technology can support students in various aspects of their lives. However, the integration of AI in the classroom requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Danielle Perry noted that she had to learn how to effectively use AI before teaching it to her students. She stressed the importance of having a clear plan and understanding how AI can benefit the students. In class, students utilize an AI application called Microsoft Copilot to assist with research and create presentations. Danielle mentioned, 'They're using it for topic research, they're using it to create coloring in pictures of designs that they have used. ' This indicates that AI can aid students in various tasks, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. At Tor Bank, the teachers recognize that each student learns differently. Danielle stated, 'Each of our children learn so differently and they're all individuals. ' They focus on supporting students in their unique learning journeys. The aim is not for computers to take over but to empower students to embrace their creativity. Sinéad remarked that it is still early days for AI in their school, but they are eager to explore how it can evolve and assist students in the future.