AI in Schools: A Roundtable Discussion

Artificial intelligence has entered classrooms faster than many anticipated. In a recent discussion, Barbara Wainwright, Tor Arne Jorgensen, Professor Jim Treleaven, Deanna Brakefield, and PHred explored how schools can embrace AI while safeguarding creativity, ethics, and critical thinking. Tor Arne Jorgensen described the current reality in his classrooms: “We’re working closely with OpenAI, and we’re using ChatGPT as the main platform. The challenge is keeping up, because AI isn’t moving in baby steps—it’s moving in quantum leaps.” For him, the core concern is ensuring students don’t become passive. “We are teaching them to use it in a good manner, so it isn’t becoming a crutch, where the AI does all the job and students stop being creative.” Barbara Wainwright agreed, emphasizing AI as a support system, not a substitute: “AI is an incredible tool, but it can’t replace the human ability to imagine, reflect, and innovate. Teachers have to guide students to see it as a partner in learning rather than a replacement for their own thinking.” Professor Jim Treleaven broadened the lens to governance and ethics. He warned that schools need clear policies on AI use: “Institutions can’t just plug in AI without rules. We need transparency, guidelines, and accountability so that both teachers and students understand what responsible use looks like.” Deanna Brakefield brought in a classroom perspective. “This is where digital literacy matters,” she said. “Teachers have to design assignments that require original analysis. AI can help with brainstorming, but the student’s own voice has to come through.” She stressed that grading rubrics should reward critical thinking, not just polished AI-assisted answers. PHred, who guided the conversation, kept drawing the panel back to practical workflows. “How do we balance these high-level ideas with day-to-day teaching tools?” he asked, pointing out the tension between exciting new technologies and the reality of classroom management. Together, the panelists agreed that the goal is not to resist AI, but to shape its role carefully. As Wainwright summarized, “The future of education isn’t about handing control over to machines. It’s about empowering students to use AI wisely, while keeping their creativity and curiosity alive.”