In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, artificial intelligence is becoming an indispensable ally for educators. Beyond transforming how students learn, AI is also reshaping how teachers teach, offering tools that enhance efficiency, personalize instruction, and inspire innovation in the classroom. In this article, we delve into how AI empowers educators at Wagor International School with Superintendent Haishuo Lee, enabling the creation of dynamic learning environments and better prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
AI Teaching Strategies
Q: AI-Integrated Classrooms: How do you guide your teachers in integrating AI into their teaching practices while maintaining a human-centered approach?
I always emphasize to my teachers that integrating AI into their schoolwork is a powerful way to save time and effort. However, the purpose of saving this time isn’t to slack off — it’s to redirect that energy toward what truly matters: interacting with students in the classroom.
By using AI in standard operating procedures or routine tasks, teachers can significantly reduce their workload. This creates more opportunities to engage with learners on a deeper level. Education, at its core, is a profoundly human endeavor, and while AI can provide fast and accurate results, it’s the human interaction that fosters genuine learning and growth.
I believe that by understanding our learners more thoroughly and dedicating time to meaningful interactions, teachers can adopt a truly human-centered approach. This not only improves teaching outcomes but also creates a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels seen and supported. AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance, not replace, the human connection that is so vital in education.
Q: What are some innovative activities or projects your school has implemented to teach students collaboration with AI tools?
Many of our students have already embraced AI tools for creative projects such as storytelling, artwork, and music creation. With advancements in AI, these tasks have become remarkably accessible. However, this semester, our school has taken a different approach by focusing on skills that complement technological advancements.
We successfully applied to become a Bandai Gundam Model School this year, and our elementary students are now using this opportunity to engage in hands-on activities. By encouraging students to work with their hands, we aim to nurture a crucial skill: the ability to calm down, focus, and create something tangible — something they can physically touch and build on their own.
While we recognize the importance of AI and the inevitable role technology will play in the coming decade, we also see the need to prepare our students for what AI cannot replace. Handcrafting teaches patience, attention to detail, and the value of creating something meaningful from scratch — qualities that remain irreplaceable in a highly digital world.
This shift represents a deliberate effort to balance technological proficiency with timeless skills, ensuring our students appreciate both innovation and the power of hands-on creation.
Q: Balancing Risks and Opportunities: How do you educate students and parents about both the opportunities and ethical concerns associated with AI?
The key message I share with parents and students is this: survival in the future job market hinges on offering something beyond what AI can create. I make it clear that while AI makes creating essays or other forms of work easy, this ease diminishes their value in a competitive market.
The rise of AI has two critical implications:
1. The Risk of Being Replaced
If the work you produce is similar in quality to what AI can generate, you risk being replaced. Why? Because even the most advanced AI tools cost only $200 per month, and more basic tools cost as little as $20–$30 per month. No human in a developed country can compete with that cost efficiency. Therefore, those who produce work that AI can easily replicate will face challenges in finding sustainable employment.
2. Focusing on Human-Centric Value
To remain indispensable, humans must focus on what AI cannot do. This requires two things:
- Understanding AI’s Capabilities: Students must have a solid understanding of AI — what it can and cannot do — so they can make sound judgments about where they can add unique value.
- Leveraging Human Strengths: Students must dedicate time and energy to developing uniquely human skills, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and the ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.
These two aspects are two sides of the same coin. To succeed, students must both harness AI effectively and develop irreplaceable human qualities. Only by balancing these two approaches can they thrive in an AI-driven world.
Preparing Students for the Future
Q: Real-World Applications: Are there specific AI-driven industries or career paths you are emphasizing to prepare students for future opportunities?
Some students are fortunate to discover their passions at a very young age, but not everyone enjoys this clarity early in life. For those students who lack a clear direction, it’s crucial to guide them toward meaningful and impactful pathways.
I often encourage students to consider fields like energy science and material science, and here’s why:
1. Energy Science
With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the demand for computing power is skyrocketing, and this power relies on electricity. However, the global energy industry faces significant challenges in generating and sustaining sufficient electricity. This issue isn’t limited to Taiwan — it’s a global concern. As AI technologies evolve, so does the urgent need for innovative energy solutions. I strongly believe the energy sector will remain critical for years to come, making it a promising field for students to explore.
2. Material Science
Closely tied to the energy industry, material science plays a vital role in both energy generation and storage. Energy storage, in particular, is as crucial — if not more so — than energy generation. Advances in material science can revolutionize how we store energy, making it more efficient and sustainable. For students interested in driving innovation and addressing pressing global challenges, material science offers immense opportunities.
While I can’t predict if these industries will see a major transformation in the immediate future, I firmly believe they will remain vital throughout the coming decade. Guiding students toward these fields not only aligns with global needs but also ensures they are contributing to areas with long-term significance.
Q: Many schools focus on coding and robotics. What unique AI-related programs or initiatives does your school offer to stand out?
Coding and robotics are the foundation of artificial intelligence, like bread and butter. Coding determines how we operate AI, while robotics transforms AI’s computing power into meaningful, real-world interactions. These two fields are becoming increasingly fundamental and essential skills for the future, and our school has taken significant steps to prepare our students for this shift.
This year, our school won an Asian Robotics Award, a testament to our commitment to excellence in these fields. Robotics and coding are deeply interconnected — robotics cannot function effectively without strong coding behind it. While students can choose to specialize in one, both are indispensable for future innovation.
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, I believe coding is no longer optional. Everyone must acquire at least a basic understanding of coding to enhance their workflows and leverage AI effectively. For example, even simple tasks like using Excel formulas are a form of basic coding. Schools should ensure that every student learns these foundational skills, even if they don’t aspire to become coding experts. Additionally, learning how to use AI tools to generate code will be a crucial skill in the near future.
In central Taiwan, robotics holds even greater importance due to the region’s robust hardware manufacturing industry. This makes robotics particularly relevant here, especially when combined with AI for applications like medical technology. Our school has been focusing on integrating AI-driven robotics into our curriculum, aligning with the broader trends in Taiwan over the past few years.
In summary, coding and robotics are not just specialized skills; they are foundational knowledge that everyone will need in the AI era. I strongly encourage all schools and administrators to prioritize these areas and prepare students for a future where these skills will be as fundamental as reading and writing.
Q: With such a diverse student body, how do you teach students to approach global challenges like AI ethics or sustainability from an international perspective?
As an educator, I believe it’s crucial to direct my students’ attention toward solving the most pressing global issues. To achieve this, I’ve encouraged all my students to explore a website called 80,000 Hours, which provides in-depth research on the world’s most urgent problems and offers evidence-based guidance on how individuals can make the most impact. Every year, it identifies key areas requiring human focus, supported by extensive scientific research.
As the leader of my school, I emphasize three critical areas for my students to focus on:
1. The Risks of Artificial Intelligence
While AI offers immense potential for good, we cannot ignore the risks it poses. There are individuals and groups in the world who thrive on chaos, using AI to perpetrate fraud, commit crimes, and even develop tools for warfare. AI-powered systems are already being misused in these ways, and history shows that humanity has always been adept at creating tools of destruction.
This is a global issue that transcends countries, cultures, and ethnicities. It’s vital for humanity to not only innovate responsibly but also to create safeguards to protect against potential AI misuse. I encourage my students to think critically about how they can contribute to solutions that minimize these risks and promote the ethical use of AI.
2. Climate Change and Its Consequences
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat — it is a reality we are already facing. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the consequences of global warming demand immediate action. Addressing this issue requires innovation in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and mitigation strategies.
3. Pandemic Preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of global readiness to combat infectious diseases. Yet, experts warn that future pandemics are inevitable. Preparing for them requires advancements in public health, vaccine technology, and global cooperation to minimize their impact.
To deepen their understanding of these issues, I’ve encouraged my students, teachers, and parents to read Bill Gates’s books on climate change and pandemic preparedness, as well as explore resources from 80,000 Hours. These resources provide clear and actionable insights into how we can contribute to solving these global challenges.
In conclusion, I urge my students to focus their talents and energy on addressing these critical areas. By doing so, they can become part of a generation that drives meaningful change and ensures a better future for humanity.
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As we’ve seen, AI is revolutionizing the teaching profession by simplifying lesson planning, providing real-time feedback, and enabling teachers to cater to diverse learning needs. Wagor International School’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates how AI can support teachers in their mission to inspire, educate, and prepare students for a future driven by technology.
In the final article of this series, we will explore the key skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. From critical thinking to adaptability, we’ll discuss how schools can equip students with the tools they need to collaborate effectively with AI and tackle global challenges. Don’t miss this deep dive into the essential skills for success in the AI era!