AI used with balance in Catholic Schools

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
At the June 2024 G7 Summit on artificial intelligence, Pope Francis addressed the audience regarding the “effects of artificial intelligence on the future of humanity.”
 
The Holy Father noted that technology is the result of the “creative potential of human beings,” such as artificial intelligence (AI). He also referred to AI as “an exciting and fearsome tool.”
 
As AI is becoming easily available to all, the diocesan Catholic Schools Office is already discussing how AI can benefit Catholic schools when used in a responsible and balanced fashion.
 
Kelly Kohout, diocesan director of education services, recently talked about AI in diocesan Catholic schools in an episode of the Illuminating Catholic podcast of the Diocese of Sioux City. (Want to listen to the full podcast? CLICK HERE.)

 “There’s this misconception that maybe AI is for big tech companies,” she said. “But we encounter AI everywhere in our daily lives. You’re getting recommendations for products from Amazon or suggestions for shows you might like on Netflix, autocorrect or Siri. There are so many different ways that AI is at work behind the scenes.”
 
The director said the possibilities for use of AI in classrooms can be exciting but also brings valid concerns. Some teachers are diving into using the new tools while others are more skeptical.
 
“Research shows that students are already using these tools,” Kohout said. “Whether we are embracing them in our classrooms or not, it’s affecting our lives, especially in education.”
 
As school leaders consider AI in classrooms, Pope Francis’ G7 presentation and January 2025 Antiqua et Nova regarding AI gave framework for developing school policies on ethical use of AI.
 
“In everything we do, we always are asking how this aligns with our Catholic world view. So, what does this mean to use this tool while honoring the dignity of every person and every student made in the image and likeness of God? We know every mind is unique and so are the ways we learn, work and live,” the director said.
 
‘Fearsome’ side of AI
Kohout acknowledged that through the years, there has been fear and resistance regarding new technologies as they emerged. Today, many are concerned that students would use a tool like ChatGPT to enter prompts and have AI draft their assigned essays and papers in just a few minutes instead of doing the work themselves.
 
However, AI-generated essays can provide an unexpected learning opportunity in schools.
 
“I think as educators, we have to flip that script. Think about it in a different way. If we present students with these AI-generated essays and then ask them to really dissect it, take it apart, improve it - we can offer them an essay that is from the multiple different viewpoints or perspectives,” Kohout explained. “All of the sudden it makes these exercises use more critical thinking, which is really what education is supposed to be about.”
 
Other possibilities for students to benefit from AI tools include simplified versions of texts, using AI prompts to organize a written document, brainstorming and others.
 
“We have students who struggle to keep track of assignments or deadlines, and now these students, maybe with ADHD or anxiety … you can offer these AI-generated reminders or virtual checklists,” Kohout said. “It has allowed us to offer that more customized, personalized learning experience that will foster a new sense of engagement.”
 
Although there are academic benefits for students using AI technology, there are also concerns with so few “guardrails” currently in place for using the tools. The director pointed out that often she has found discrepancies in what AI produces, but students may not have the background to recognize inaccurate information when it is presented.
 
“I worry about a decline in critical thinking and maybe even an over-reliance on AI,” Kohout explained. “Studies do show that young people see AI chatbots as experts. That worries me because we know there’s incorrect or biased information shared (with AI). Our students must have these critical evaluation skills to know and understand.”
 Even the youngest students have access to technology such as in this Pocahontas Catholic School file photo.Along with students, teachers are finding that AI can assist them in leading their classrooms. Kohout said many are “dabbling” in AI, which she said is a great place to start. Applications could include preparing rubrics and designing more engaging lesson plans.
 
“It allows time for teachers to get back to actually connecting with students and doing what’s most important – building those relationships, mentoring and formation,” the director said. “It’s really about working smarter and strengthening that human connection.”
 
To assist students and educators, the Catholic Schools Office is drafting a policy regarding AI use. Kohout added that all the diocesan schools have participated in cybersecurity risk assessments to ensure the schools have a safe technological environment.
 
Conference
There have been some in-services offered for the diocesan Catholic schools faculty and administration as all are learning more about what AI offers while addressing concerns.
 
The office is hosting a Sept. 22 Ministries Conference in Carroll for all Catholic school educators and administrators. Higher Powered Learning speakers Father Nate Wills and Lewis Poché are leading the conference sessions. Father Wills will offer the keynote and both men will lead workshops on effective integrating AI into Catholic school classrooms.
 
“This is such a powerful opportunity to explore how AI can support diverse learners while we remain true to the mission of our schools,” Kohout said, adding that there will be follow through long after the conference concludes.
 
AI isn’t a matter of choosing between using contemporary technology and traditional teacher but rather finding an appropriate balance in Catholic schools.
 
“It’s more about using those tools. We have to deepen what’s already sacred, which is those relationships, that formation and the growth of our students … Catholic education is very human work,” Kohout said.