From the Head of Primary
CalCC and the Expansion of AI
I must be getting old because I recently reflected on 'the good old days' of my first computer—a Commodore 64. I remember loading programs and games using cassettes and typing simple commands to create patterns, all on a green monochrome monitor.
With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) over the last decade, it has rapidly transformed from a niche interest into a mainstream societal tool. Today’s AI-powered platforms can personalise learning pathways by analysing each student’s strengths and gaps, recommend targeted practice exercises and even generate real-time feedback on writing and problem-solving tasks. Education is bombarded with 'intelligent tutors' that support emerging readers by narrating stories and prompting comprehension questions. In other domains, adaptive maths programs adjust the difficulty of questions on the fly to keep every child challenged and encouraged. Much of this sounds great, but it sounds more like a factory designed to maximise profits than an education. There is a dehumanising in all of this.
Perspectives on AI in education vary widely:
- Optimistic View: Advocates argue that AI can free teachers from routine tasks and personalise elements of the learning process.
- Cautious Voice: Critics warn of potential biases baked into algorithms, especially if training data lacks diversity - and emphasise the need for strong safeguards around privacy, equity of access and transparent decision-making.
- Ethical Lens: Some education researchers highlight the risk of over-reliance on screens, noting that excessive tech use can undermine social skills, attention spans and deep, reflective learning.
At CalCC, we view technology (including AI as part of the broader technology landscape) as a tool to be wisely utilised and mastered, not something that masters us. Our goal is to harness innovation without sacrificing the heart of education: face-to-face mentorship, hands‑on discovery and the joy of God‑given creativity.
Scripture reminds us that true wisdom comes from the Lord:
'For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.'
Proverbs 2:6
As we explore AI’s possibilities, we commit to seeking God’s guidance in using and teaching these tools. We are:
- Praying for Discernment. Invite God’s wisdom as we evaluate new technologies.
- Teach Digital Stewardship. Helping students develop healthy screen‑time habits, self control and a balanced life.
- Foster Community. Seeking to ensure that AI enriches, rather than replaces collaboration, deep learning, projects, friendship and service opportunities.
Our staff are currently piloting and trialling AI-assisted tools to support (not replace) administrative tasks, streamline assessment processes and enhance some classroom teaching activities. Our heart is to ensure each innovation serves our mission: to provide quality Christ-centred education to our community, developing strong foundations for life and learning.
There is no doubt that AI is a powerful tool to be utilised and is already embedded in so many elements of our lives, both visible and invisible. Therefore, as we move forward, caution, patience and wisdom from CalCC staff are needed.
Please continue to pray for our staff as we step forward in faith into a dynamic and changing future.