We are one of the leading educational institutions in Turkey with approximately 1800 students from different age groups and nearly 550 teachers and colleagues. We are one of the leading educational institutions in Turkey with approximately 1800 students from different age groups and nearly 550 teachers and colleagues.We have embarked on an exciting journey in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) under the guidance of a strategic approach that emphasizes continuous development and ethical considerations in Açı Schools. Our plans to integrate AI into education continue through a series of comprehensive training initiatives and reviews aimed at equipping both our students and team members with the necessary skills and knowledge.
At the core of our strategy is collaboration with experts in AI technologies. These professionals serve as invaluable resources, helping us navigate the complexities of AI implementation while allowing us to comprehensively assess both its benefits and potential drawbacks. Through meticulous evaluation processes, we strive to provide a balanced perspective on AI, weighing its advantages against any ethical concerns or risks.
In this regard, our collaboration began with AI and learning expert Prof. Dr. Mutlu Çukurova and will continue with groundbreaking insights on “Artificial Intelligence in Education” at our Açı Schools 25th Anniversary Conference on April 20, 2024. Following this, Prof. Dr. Çukurova will also provide consultancy in the development of our AI policy.
Additionally, our ICT teachers continue their work to help all of our teachers familiarize themselves with AI applications and use them in their classrooms. We would also like to share that, under the consultancy of AI expert Ms. Şebnem Özdemir, we will continue our efforts to ensure that our students and all stakeholders can make the most effective use of AI in teaching and learning processes, while preparing them for both current and future challenges. This consultancy includes organizing teacher training programs to encourage the use of AI as an effective tool in student learning, developing our institutional AI policy, and gradually continuing our curriculum development work from preschool through high school graduation. We also aim to develop strategies for the use of AI technologies across all areas within the educational institution and to increase AI applications that support students’ individual learning needs and development.
Ethical considerations are paramount in our approach to AI integration. We move forward with a commitment to the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Our goal is not only to leverage AI for the enrichment of education but to do so in a manner that protects the rights and dignity of all individuals. This requires not only strict measures to prevent bias or discrimination but also transparent practices that ensure stakeholders understand how AI systems work and what data they use.
Moreover, we value advancing in parallel with all stakeholders in our school community while upholding the principle of equality in AI institutional integration. Through targeted interventions and proactive measures, we aim to reduce potential inequalities arising from AI use by ensuring all students have equal access to learning opportunities and resources.
At the core of our AI strategy is the development of digital citizenship and technology literacy among our students. We recognize that AI increasingly shapes the world we live in, making it essential for us to possess the knowledge and skills to navigate this landscape responsibly. By integrating AI into our curriculum, we promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making, empowering our students to become informed and engaged digital citizens.
In summary, our approach to AI in the school is guided by the principles of continuous improvement, ethical integrity, and innovation in education. Through strategic planning, collaboration with experts, and a steadfast commitment to our core principles, we strive to lay the foundation for a future where AI enriches and strengthens the educational experiences of all our students and team members.