Member of the Youth Parliament Advisory Group, Gemma, has been thinking about the implications of AI in the classroom. In this article she looks at its uses in education and its pros and cons.
At our last Youth Parliament meeting we talked briefly about the introduction of AI in the classroom on the back of social media posts. It was interesting to me as for those of you doing A-Levels, you’ll know about the option to do an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
This has been an amazing opportunity for me to explore a topic I am passionate about, beyond the often rigid subject specifications. After much consideration I have decided to focus on the impact of AI in the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Classroom!
AI is becoming incredibly prevalent in our daily lives, and its role in our education is rapidly expanding. While my EPQ focuses on MFL, AI’s influence extends across all subjects, shaping the way we learn and interact with information.
Many students and teachers share concerns about AI’s capabilities and impact, but others recognise its potential to enhance education. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that AI could bring to our classrooms:
Pros
✅ Personalised learning activities – AI can tailor tasks to match individual student’s abilities – helping us learn at our own pace!
✅ Interactive and engaging tasks – AI tools can make learning more enjoyable, especially for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods.
✅ Automatic feedback and corrections – This can create a more effective system, allowing more time for improvement and revision!
Cons
❌ Inaccurate or biased information – AI generated content isn’t always reliable, which could lead to misunderstandings.
❌ Reduced student-teacher interaction – Overusing AI tools could weaken the essential support and guidance that teachers provide.
❌ Accusations of “cheating” – The use of AI tools without referencing can greatly damage the credibility of work.
Ultimately, the introduction of AI in education is both inevitable and already underway. While it could hugely revolutionise our learning experience, it is vital that its implementation is responsible, ethical, and enhances traditional teachers’ methods rather than replacing them.
📣 Calling all MFL students (Year 11-Year 13)
As part of my research, I am conducting a short questionnaire on AI in MFL lessons. If you are studying a language, I would love to hear your thoughts! Fill out the questionnaire here: https://forms.gle/RvbeBQcwGssKASDC8
Gemma
Not just elected members
Did you know that Somerset Youth Parliament isn’t just it’s elected members? Any young person in Somerset aged 10-25 years can become a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
For more information about becoming a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group and to join, visit our Join Us page.
