AI in education: Balancing innovation and ethics in Australian classrooms

AI is no longer a concept of the future; it’s here and changing how students learn and teachers teach in schools across Australia.

From streamlining personalised learning to enhancing critical thinking, educators are uncovering both the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence in classrooms.

However, as experts like Trent Wilson, Digital Learning Coordinator at MacKilliop Catholic College and Jason Szkwarek,​​​​ a teacher from Caroll College Broulee, point out, the benefits of AI must also be weighed against its ethical implications.

The Promise of AI Education Tools

“AI is a game-changer,” said Mr Wilson. Since its introduction, AI has revolutionised how students engage with learning.

“We’ve transitioned from concerns over academic integrity to focusing on how AI can responsibly enhance the learning process.”

At MacKilliop Catholic College, platforms like Education Perfect provide AI-driven feedback to refine students’ writing and promote critical thinking.

“Some students adapt to the tools quickly,” Mr Wilson explained. “Others take longer, but the goal is to foster independence for all.”

At Carroll College in Broulee, Jason Szkwarek​​​ uses cechat to guide students through complex concepts without simply providing answers.

“Unlike generic AI tools, cechat works as a Socratic tutor; it promotes deeper understanding by encouraging students to refine their ideas.”

Mr Szkwarek further emphasised how AI supports vocational education. “For students with lower numeracy skills in vocational classes, AI can break down complex tasks into manageable steps, like a patient tutor repeating instructions as needed.”

Clear ethical boundaries and policies 

Both educators stress the importance of a cautious, structured approach.

“We have strict policies in place,” said Mr Szkwarek. At Carroll College, a “traffic light” system is used to identify which tasks are AI-appropriate and which require independent skills. MacKilliop Catholic College adopts a similar strategy, giving junior students limited AI access while allowing senior students supervised use of external platforms like Perplexity.

Reflecting on the Vatican’s document, Antiqua et Nova, Mr Wilson and Mr Szkwarek see parallels with their own approaches.

The Vatican notes AI’s potential to improve education while cautioning against its overuse, which could hinder critical thinking and lead to dependence.

“AI should complement human intelligence, not replace its richness,” the document advises. 

Mr Szkwarek added that some parents are concerned about AI’s rapid adoption. “There’s fear of overreliance or even emotional connections forming between AI and students,” he said. Parent education sessions at Carroll College aim to demystify AI, highlighting its benefits when used responsibly.

Preparing educators for technology’s rapid pace 

A major challenge is ensuring teachers keep up with AI’s fast evolution. “What we’re doing today might be obsolete in six months,” Mr Wilson noted, comparing the AI boom to the early days of the internet. 

To address this, MacKilliop Catholic College requires teachers to incorporate AI into at least one assessment task per semester.

“This prepares students for future workplaces while promoting ethical use,” Mr Wilson explained. 

Mr Szkwarek echoed the sentiment, pushing for reforms in teacher training to include managing AI in classrooms.

“Educators need to guide students toward thoughtful use of AI, ensuring it amplifies learning, not shortcuts it,” he said.

Navigating challenges and the path forward

While the advantages of AI are evident, both educators acknowledge the risks. These include data privacy issues, worsening socioeconomic inequalities, and the spread of disinformation.

“Schools need to remain vigilant,” Mr Szkwarek stressed. “From fake news to deepfakes, misuse of these tools has real consequences for development.” 

The Vatican’s Antiqua et Nova also warns against the dishonest use of AI. “Misrepresenting AI outputs as human work undermines its integrity, particularly in education,” the document states. Schools must ensure AI use is transparent and ethical. 

Despite these challenges, both educators are optimistic. “It’s a tool to empower teachers and students,” Mr Szkwarek said. Mr Wilson added, “With the right balance of innovation and ethics, AI can enrich education in a way we’ve never seen before.”

A balanced future for AI in education

The integration of AI into education is an unfolding reality. With clear ethical frameworks, AI has the potential to streamline tasks, foster creativity, and enhance learning experiences. However, as both the Vatican and educators like Mr Szkwarek and Mr Wilson caution, AI’s true value lies in serving as a tool for the common good. 

Mr Szkwarek reflected, “The evolution of AI in education is exciting and concerning. While its benefits are immense, we must address accompanying challenges.” 

The Vatican similarly reminds us, “The adoption of any technological advancement must prioritise the common good and safeguard individual dignity.” 

The challenge remains clear—to create an educational environment that balances innovation with integrity, ensuring students thrive in a technologically evolving world.