Leon Furze

Earlier this year I had the privilege of providing some “critical friend” feedback during the development of ACARA’s Artificial Intelligence Curriculum Connection. In this post, I’ll explore some of the updates and where they overlap with the Australian Curriculum v9, as well as provided a (ChatGPT powered) TL;DR: of the content.

Last week, the Australian Framework for Generative AI in Schools was published. As a starting point, it offers some high level core principles for bringing GenAI into K-12. However, it falls short on the practical and ethical implications of the technology, as Dr Lucinda McKnight and I discussed in this article for The Conversation.

There is practical work being done across Australia though. The Curriculum Connections offer a way for educators to make connections across subject areas and domains, including the General Capabilities. They also provide additional resources for cross-curricular areas such as food, health and wellbeing, and now, Artificial Intelligence.

First and foremost, the AI Curriculum Connection provides definitions of the technology, links to the Maths and Digital Technology curricula, and advice on three “key aspects” of AI.

The 3 key aspects of learning about artificial intelligence are:

• understanding how AI works
• types of AI (digital tools and AI systems)
• responsible use and application of AI.

The materials from ACARA include this quick guide to Artificial Intelligence by Erica Southgate PhD, Karen Blackmore PhD, Stephanie Pieschl PhD, and Susan Grimes PhD:

Here’s the TL;DR: of the curriculum materials, generated in part using GPT-4. For full information and all of the resources and links, you should go directly to the AI Curriculum Connection webpage on the ACARA site:

Understanding AI: From Generative to Narrow AI

Generative AI, a subset of machine learning, exemplifies the dynamic nature of AI. It uses extensive data to create unique content, like text, images, audio, and video, a process sometimes whimsically described as AI “hallucinating.” The evolution of AI is categorised into stages, with the current focus on narrow AI, which is specialised in specific tasks​​.

AI’s Societal Impact

The integration of AI in society brings forth both opportunities and challenges. Teachers need to address concerns such as the creation of misleading content and the implications of AI on the workforce, while also highlighting AI’s potential in fostering innovation and equitable solutions​​.

Educational Purpose of AI

The curriculum’s objective is to deepen students’ understanding of AI, its responsible use, and its broader societal impact. This aligns with the need for critical evaluation of AI’s role in our lives, balancing its technological capabilities with ethical considerations​​.

Implementing AI in Schools

Australian schools are supported by resources like the Curriculum connection: Artificial Intelligence (ACARA) and the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence. These tools aid in developing comprehensive learning programs about AI​​.

Structuring AI Learning

The curriculum highlights three key aspects of AI learning: understanding AI’s workings, exploring different types of AI, and focusing on the responsible application of AI. These aspects are essential in helping students navigate the increasingly AI-infused world​​.

Types of AI and Their Application

AI’s versatility is evident in its widespread adoption across industries, embedded in everyday digital tools. Students explore AI’s functionalities in various sectors, learning about its design and the algorithms that drive it​​.

Responsible AI Use

A significant part of AI education involves understanding its ethical use. This includes discussions on data literacy, copyright, intellectual property, and the potential biases and harms associated with AI. It’s crucial for students to learn about AI’s impact on jobs, sustainability, and the importance of diversity in AI design​​.

Resources for Teachers

A plethora of resources are available to support teachers, ranging from the eSafety Commissioner’s guidelines to the Digital Technologies Hub. These resources provide a structured approach to teaching AI in alignment with the Australian Curriculum​​.

Engaging Families and Communities

Resources for parents and carers are also provided to ensure a comprehensive understanding of AI’s role in education. This includes guidance from various educational authorities and government bodies​​.

State and Territory Resources

Each Australian state and territory offers specific guidelines and resources, ensuring a localised approach to AI education, reflecting the diverse educational landscape across the country​​.

Ethical and Practical Considerations

AI’s ethical complexity calls for critical and creative thinking. Students must navigate the nuances of data biases, safety principles, and the environmental impact of AI. This involves understanding AI’s historical evolution and its non-neutral nature​​.

Thinking Approaches in AI Education

The curriculum encourages various thinking approaches, like computational, systems, and design thinking, to deepen students’ understanding of AI. These skills are pivotal in discerning the authenticity of AI-generated content, like deep fakes​​.

AI in Curriculum Links

AI education is interwoven across different learning areas, particularly in Mathematics and Digital Technologies. This integration ensures a holistic approach to understanding AI’s role in various contexts, from geography to ethical data use​​.

AI Learning for Different Student Levels

From Foundation to Year 6, the curriculum adapts AI learning to suit different developmental stages. Younger students explore AI through play and simple data concepts, while older students delve into more complex aspects like digital solutions design and critical evaluation of AI technologies​​.

If you’d like to get in touch to discuss Generative AI, professional development, or work on AI policy and guidelines, please contact me via the form below: