Artificial Vs. Organic Intelligence

The first session was led by Ms. Ros Barnes, who introduced the topic and guided our staff through the first segment of a video series that examined how AI can be approached thoughtfully and used responsibly through a Biblical worldview. All of our faculty and staff gathered in the West Chapel, seated at round tables, to facilitate discussion after each video. After group discussions, Ms. Barnes led a discussion with the group as a whole, helping establish a shared understanding of AI's role in the classroom. A central theme in this session was AI and integrity, or as Paul Matthews, the speaker in and creater of the training videos summed it up:

It’s never been easier to cheat, so there’s never been a more important time for integrity.

Paul Matthews, AI Tech Consultant

 

The second professional development session on Artificial Intelligence continued to build on the school’s exploration of AI's use in Christian education. ICSB Staff split into three groups in different classrooms: Upper School, Middle Grades, and Early Grades. Teachers were automatically assigned to the group most relevant to their teaching age group, while instructional staff could choose which group to join. The Upper School training was led once again by Ms. Ros Barnes, while Ms. Heather Endicott led the discussion for Middle Grades teachers, and Ms. Jess Jenkins guided Early Grades staff. Meeting in smaller groups allowed for more focused discussion, giving participants space to reflect, ask questions, and consider practical applications within their specific contexts.

 

 

Teachers and office faculty worked through the next section of the video series, focusing on key principles that guide thoughtful and responsible use of AI in the classroom. The session reinforced the importance of approaching AI with discernment, keeping both educational purpose and a Biblical worldview at the center. As the conversation progressed, staff continued to examine how these tools can support teaching and learning while remaining aligned with the school’s values and responsibilities.

 The session emphasized a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to using AI in education and the importance of not neglecting the use of "OI" in their AI use, that is, their Organic Intelligence. For instance, rather than relying on a single response and just automatically accepting whatever AI puts out, teachers were encouraged to generate multiple options and then apply their own professional judgment to select and refine the best outcome. AI was presented as a tool to support creativity and efficiency, not replace the expertise of the teacher. Practical uses varied, with some educators exploring applications in organization, assessment, and resource development, while others are still warming up to the idea and discerning how it fits into their practice.

 

 

The session also highlighted key cautions. AI is not always accurate and can produce confident but incorrect or subtly misleading information. It may also reflect bias, reinforcing the need to equip students to evaluate sources critically and, since we too, all have our own biases, to recognize them. Data security was a central focus as well, with clear guidance to steward all student and school data responsibly. 

Throughout the discussion, staff were encouraged to remain reflective, regularly considering how AI is shaping both their own teaching practices and student learning.

We are most easily shaped when we don’t realize we’re being shaped 

There will be one more professional development session focusing on exercising wisdom in AI use at ICSB; however, the topic will remain an ongoing discussion. This common starting point, provided by these three All Staff sessions, laid the foundation for ongoing conversations about how AI can be used thoughtfully and responsibly in teaching, learning, and life.