The Erasmus course titled “Integrating AI in the
Classroom with Critical Thinking,” held in Budapest from September 16th to the 18th, 2024, was an enriching professional learning experience for me.
Ms. Rita’s extensive knowledge and preparedness were evident throughout the sessions. Each of the three days was filled with practical activities, allowing us, the course participants, to immediately apply what was being taught. This hands-on approach significantly enhanced the learning experience, making the complex topic of AI integration more accessible and engaging.
I will certainly be creating interactive PowerPoint presentations for my five-year-old students using Gamma.ai, generating an original script for the Year 1 Spring Concert next May using Claude.ai, and using an AI program called suno.ai to generate original and related songs for the mentioned concert. However, the course could have been improved by spreading the 15 lecture hours over four days instead of three.
The intensity of the sessions, coupled with the vast amount of content covered, made the days quite long and exhausting. A more extended schedule might have provided us participants with more time to absorb and reflect on the material, leading to a deeper understanding. What resonated with me the most from the training was the tutor’s emphasis on the irreplaceable human aspect of teaching. AI, as highlighted, is a powerful tool that can assist in the classroom but cannot replace the teacher’s role. It serves as an aid to enhance teaching effectiveness, not as a substitute for human interaction.
However, we were also told that teachers who can use AI will replace those who cannot. This perspective is crucial, reminding us educators to critically engage with AI while maintaining the essential human touch in education.
Kirsten Gauci – St. Joseph Blata l-Bajda
2024-1-MT01-KA121-SCH-000201561
