Teaching and learning with artificial intelligence

Fina Paulos, IT teacher and AI coordinator  

Galicia was one of the first autonomous communities in Spain to offer artificial intelligence as a subject in the 4th year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education). I have been teaching this subject for years. I chose it because it was something new that I saw as a challenge and as a way to learn, and to implement new methodologies in the classroom that would be more motivating for my students' learning process.

Óscar Manuel Rey, IT teacher

The subject of artificial intelligence for society covers various aspects, primarily how AI impacts society, as well as ethical and responsibility-related issues, awareness of privacy and the use of student data, and how it is integrated into different technologies through sensors and actuators.

Alicia, student

I was surprised by how quickly artificial intelligence has advanced and by the number of things it can do. I did not think it would be so applicable to everyday tasks, like writing, reading, doing homework, or answering questions. Before, I hardly used it, and now I use it to organise my ideas, to study, or to improve my work.

Fina Paulos, IT teacher and AI coordinator  

Students use artificial intelligence tools to help them with certain tasks, to ask questions, and to create presentations in a much more creative way. Regarding how other teachers use AI tools, this includes, for example, creating focused educational content personalised to the characteristics of their students.

Óscar Manuel Rey, IT teacher

In the subject of artificial intelligence for society, we apply a project-based learning methodology that is also based on service learning, therefore using AI through meaningful learning. This leads us to see how its use would work in a real social context, allowing us to reflect more honestly on the impact of AI on privacy, information security, and user safety.

Gabriel, student

Currently, I use AI tools more consciously, not only to search for information, but also to improve classwork, refine texts, or learn new things, for example.

Óscar Manuel Rey, IT teacher

The concerns that AI raises are the same ones that have to be addressed in the classroom regarding the responsible use of technology in general. These concerns include data privacy, the impact on employment, and how it will change the teaching profession. Naturally, this means that teachers will have to change how they approach teaching in the classroom, how they work, and their methodologies. It also allows us to stay engaged and to see that being in our comfort zone is not always the best approach.

Alicia, student

Many people think that AI is always right and that it will completely replace humans. Others think that using it is cheating, when in fact it depends a lot on how it is used, and it can be a great help. 

Óscar Manuel Rey, IT teacher

From my point of view, artificial intelligence is simply another tool. It is not about encouraging its use, nor about prohibiting it. It is about ensuring that it has a place and makes sense wherever it is used. Therefore, my question is whether it is truly necessary in all aspects and areas that permeate education.

Leticia, student

I believe that AI should be taught in all schools because it is already part of everyday life, and understanding it is as important as knowing how to read or use the internet.