ADVANCEMENT
THE FOUNDATION – HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SEES IT
MR TIM SHEARER (' 85 ) HEAD OF ADVANCEMENT
IN FIVE SECONDS , CHATGPT COMPOSES AN IN-DEPTH ESSAY
SIR LAURENCE ( LAURIE ) MUIR (' 41 )
Much has been written about the future impact that artificial intelligence ( AI ) will play in our lives as time progresses . Keen to understand more , and traditionally being a ‘ slow adopter ’ of new technologies , I set my youngest son the task of writing my end of year Great Scot report using ChatGPT …
Task : Write a 1000-word dissertation on the impact that the Scotch College Melbourne Foundation has had on Scotch College Melbourne and its students . Include reference to those who have shaped the Foundation and discuss some of the Foundation ’ s major fundraising projects , programs and campaigns .
Here are a few extracts from what ChatGPT delivered – in five seconds – and it ’ s pretty scary …
Since its inception , the Scotch College Melbourne Foundation has stood as a beacon of support and enrichment for Scotch College Melbourne and its students . Founded on principles of philanthropy , community , and a commitment to excellence , the Foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of one of Australia ' s most esteemed institutions .
The Scotch College Melbourne Foundation owes its existence to the vision and dedication of a community of passionate individuals who understood the importance of investing in education . Established in 1973 , the Foundation was conceived as a means to secure the future of Scotch College and enhance its offerings . A notable figure in this endeavour was Sir Laurence Muir , a Scotch alumni and philanthropist whose generosity and foresight laid the cornerstone for the Foundation ' s enduring legacy .
One of the primary ways in which the Foundation has impacted Scotch College is through the provision of scholarships and bursaries . These initiatives have
created opportunities for talented and deserving students who may not have otherwise had access to a Scotch education . By alleviating financial barriers , the Foundation has fostered a diverse and inclusive student body , enriching the learning environment and cultivating a sense of unity among students from various backgrounds .
The Foundation ' s impact extends beyond financial support for individual students . It has been a driving force behind the expansion and modernisation of Scotch College ' s facilities . Through strategic fundraising campaigns , the Foundation has facilitated the construction of state-of-the-art classrooms , libraries , teaching and learning facilities , and creative spaces . These new facilities not only provide students with cutting-edge resources but also enhance the overall educational experience , enabling Scotch College to remain at the forefront of educational innovation .
Furthermore , the Foundation ' s contributions have allowed for the preservation and restoration of historical buildings , ensuring that the school ' s rich heritage remains a tangible part of the Scotch experience . This harmonious blend of tradition and progress is a testament to the Foundation ' s commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future .
So what does all this mean for us in the education sector ? I suspect there is no easy answer , and the response will vary among people making up the industry . The experience will be both positive and negative for students , staff and parents alike . Like all technologies AI can be used for good – to advance things or to make our life more convenient – or it can be used to ill-effect , by substituting for hard work and stifling individual thinking and creativity . The world will become a pretty boring and homogenised place if everyone only uses AI !
One thing I do know is that AI won ’ t ever replace the concept of actual learning and understanding ; that special moment of magic – or the spark – that occurs between student and teacher when a student finally grasps a concept or process will live on for generations to come . I also hope that it won ’ t replace the role of school fundraisers – but time will tell !
72 Great Scot Issue 170 – December 2023