AI in the Classroom: A Trinity Grammar School Journey

Published Date : 28/11/2024 

The integration of artificial intelligence in education is a complex issue, but at Trinity Grammar School, teachers like Ms. Alexandra Wood are leading the way by exploring how AI can enhance creativity and learning. 

Sit in on any of Trinity Grammar School’s Professional Learning Teams, and you’ll see how academic staff are staying ahead of the curve with the latest pedagogical frameworks and innovative teaching methods. One such team collaborates with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to explore the realistic implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. This collaboration has opened new avenues for teachers like Ms. Alexandra Wood, who teaches Visual Arts, to experiment with AI tools.

“Through this group, I’ve had discussions that have made me think about what I can do in my classes to start to change things, embrace this technology, and test it out with the students,” says Ms. Wood.

Ms. Wood worked closely with student Matthew Vickery (Class of 2024) to integrate AI into his HSC Major Work. Matthew is a talented photographer, and the challenge was to find a way to push his skills even further. AI played a subtle but significant role in his project, which culminated in a 20-meter piece featuring beautifully captured landscapes. The final touch—blending the pieces seamlessly—was achieved with the help of Generative Fill, an AI-powered feature in Adobe Photoshop. Matthew’s work has earned him a nomination for the prestigious HSC showcase, ARTEXPRESS.

Impressed by the quality of Matthew’s work, Ms. Wood’s UTS connections introduced her to Dr. Tim Kitchen, Adobe’s Senior Education Specialist. This connection led to Ms. Wood presenting at one of Adobe’s ‘Wednesday Webinars’ to a global audience, sharing her insights on how digital creativity can enhance learning experiences. She has also presented at UTS, showcasing Matthew’s work to a broader audience.

This experience has opened up opportunities for Ms. Wood to pursue recognition as an Adobe Expert, an idea she is eager to explore. “Adobe advises science teachers, maths teachers, and provides Creative Cloud products to all students in NSW to help them harness their creativity,” she says. “The idea of becoming an Adobe Expert is a significant step.”

While the topic of AI in creative and educational spaces is often contentious, Ms. Wood believes that embracing technology is essential. However, the manner in which it is embraced is crucial. “It’s important that craft is still taught. Craft is so important,” she emphasizes. “But AI can have a place at the beginning of a project, helping with ideation and visualisation, or at the end of a project, enhancing the work to take it to a new level.”

Visual Arts and similar subjects are already adopting assessment methods that allow for AI integration. “When I’m assessing, I’m not so much looking at the final product, but the creative thinking that went into it,” she explains. “If AI is part of the process, there’s room for that to be considered in the assessment.”

The students at Trinity are enthusiastic about using AI, understanding that it enhances their work rather than creating it for them. “They have to use their skills first, and the new skill they’re learning with AI is prompting,” she notes. “They only get out of AI what they put in, so it’s not a magic tool that provides all the answers.”

The conversation around AI in education and creative fields is ongoing, but Ms. Wood is grateful to be part of the discussion and to implement new approaches in the classroom. “I love working at Trinity because you are provided with opportunities to explore interests within teaching,” she says. “Being involved with tertiary education institutions gives us the chance to discuss the relevance of what’s happening in the wider world and bring it straight into our classrooms. We’re at the forefront of change, and it’s a good place to be. The world is going to change a lot over the next few years, so it’s important to equip the students to deal with these changes and utilize these tools to enhance their work.”

“Instead of being fearful of new technologies, we’re embracing them,” she concludes. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the role of artificial intelligence in Visual Arts at Trinity Grammar School?

A: AI is used to support students in various aspects of their creative process, including ideation, visualisation, and enhancing their final work. It helps students push their skills to new levels while maintaining the importance of craft and creativity.

Q: How did Matthew Vickery use AI in his HSC Major Work?

A: Matthew used the Generative Fill feature in Adobe Photoshop, an AI-powered tool, to seamlessly blend multiple landscape photographs into a 20-meter piece. This integration of AI enhanced the final presentation of his work.

Q: What opportunities did Ms. Alexandra Wood’s work with UTS and Adobe provide?

A: Ms. Wood’s work led to presentations at Adobe’s ‘Wednesday Webinars’ and UTS, showcasing how AI can be used in education. It also opened the door for her to pursue recognition as an Adobe Expert.

Q: How does Trinity Grammar School assess the impact of AI in student projects?

A: Trinity Grammar School focuses on the creative thinking and process behind the final product. If AI is used, it is assessed as part of the overall creative journey, emphasizing how it enhances the student's work.

Q: What is the future of AI in education according to Ms. Alexandra Wood?

A: Ms. Wood believes that embracing AI is essential for preparing students for the future. While the way we use AI is crucial, she sees it as a tool to enhance creativity and learning, not replace it. 

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