Cover Rami Madani, head of The International School of Kuala Lumpur
Rami Madani, head of The International School of Kuala Lumpur
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The head of The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), Rami Madani shares his take on the impact of artificial intelligence
Technology is advancing at a faster pace than ever before, but what does that mean for the future generation? Rami Madani, head of The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) shares his take on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on students.
He says that the education sector is witnessing a transformative era with the rapid development of generative AI (GenAI). These tools, capable of instantly summarising vast amounts of information and providing inspiration, are revolutionising tasks that once took hours. From content creation to one-click translations and problem-solving, AI enhances efficiency and creativity.
However, this technological advancement holds significant implications for education. On one end, it encourages higher-level thinking, and learning, and is capable of freeing up educators from routine tasks. Plus, by tailoring content to diverse learner profiles, AI can foster greater inclusion and prepare students for a future where AI seamlessly integrates into personal and professional lives, boosting productivity and creativity.
“Of course with the almost endless opportunities that GenAI offers, there also come risks that we need to consider and measures we need to implement to mitigate those risks,” stresses Madani. While GenAI presents vast opportunities for education, it also demands careful consideration and proactive measures. Schools grapple with challenges such as addressing bias, combating misinformation, preserving academic integrity, ensuring data privacy and security, as well as evaluating existing policies.
Read more: Why grades alone aren't enough for future success?
Above Rami Madani presenting at a recent AI session for parents of ISKL pupils
Rami Madani presenting at a recent AI session for parents of ISKL pupils
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The act of dehumanising the learning process is an additional concern. Biases in AI algorithms pose a significant threat, necessitating education on critical thinking skills to discern fact from fiction. Vigilance is crucial in identifying AI “hallucinations” or misleading information, reinforcing the importance of fact-checking and critical evaluation. Data privacy remains a priority, so schools need to implement safety measures and educate students on responsible digital behaviour in an ever-evolving AI landscape.
Therefore schools should help students embrace and understand the use of technology. The integration of AI at ISKL is a collective journey, aligned with the school’s vision, mission, and values. “Rather than creating a separate plan for AI implementation, we are looking at how best to integrate AI into our existing practices and what we need to adjust. This will be an ongoing journey as AI continues to evolve—a journey that involves our parents as well as our students and employees,” says Madani.
In line with two of the school’s learning results—Learning Enthusiastically and Living Ethically—the focus is on equipping students with future-ready competencies. Thus, students learn to differentiate between producing and consuming data, understanding originality, acknowledging sources, and fostering a culture of academic integrity and ethical conduct. The approach involves setting clear expectations, managing academic dishonesty as learning opportunities, and actively learning alongside students to distinguish AI assistance from human effort. The goal is to cultivate a culture of integrity and responsible AI use in education.
Madani also believes parents hold a pivotal role in guiding their children through the ethical and safe use of emerging technologies, particularly AI. “We recommend parents familiarise themselves with AI and explore age-appropriate technologies with their children, while also keeping informed as they evolve,” he says. Parents should emphasise responsible AI use, respecting privacy, and addressing content accuracy and bias to contributeto ethical understanding. Setting boundaries on usage, monitoring online activities, and discussing safety precautions are paramount, considering the data collection involved in AI. Meanwhile, children should understand privacy settings and follow age restrictions for safe and responsible tech use.
Working in partnership, schools and parents can help make tech safer for young minds.
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Credits
Images: ISKL
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