AI at the Service of Education: Enhancing Creativity and Digital Citizenship in Schools
written by Ruggero Cortese, Digital Learning Coach at H-FARM International School Rosà
In our increasingly connected world, digital citizenship education has become essential. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into this field significantly enhances educational methodologies, opening new frontiers for learning. AI-driven projects encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive learning, essential skills for the demands of the 21st century.
An example of this was carried out at our school in Rosà, where Lower Secondary 3 students used AI to design T-shirts for “Safer Internet Day,” a day dedicated to promoting responsible online behaviours and understanding online threats. This initiative stimulated students’ creativity and contributed to an awareness campaign that fostered a strong sense of community.
The “Create a T-Shirt for Safer Internet Day” project began with an intensive brainstorming session focused on online safety topics. Under the guidance of the Digital Learning Coach, students explored themes such as online privacy and cyberbullying. These discussions heightened their awareness of these contemporary themes.
After this brainstorming session, students were introduced to AI tools like Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Perplexity. They learned to craft effective prompts that would generate impactful slogans and design ideas. By defining AI’s role as “copywriter” for slogans and “designer” for visual concepts, students created motivational phrases and designs centered on online safety. The target audience included the school community (students, parents, and teachers), ensuring the messages were both suitable and relevant.
The project also incorporated lessons from Common Sense Education, addressing AI-related ethical issues like “Understanding AI Bias” and “AI Algorithms: How Well Do They Know You?” These topics helped students navigate the implications of AI on privacy and social perception.
Informed consent was a key element of this project. We distributed informational materials to parents and students, requiring both to sign consent forms before the project began. Knowledge and awareness of AI ethics within our community ensures that our students become informed innovators, ready to face the challenges of the digital world. Additionally, informed consent in such projects highlights the importance of transparency and respect for individual rights in the digital age.
After conceptualizing their ideas, students put their knowledge into practice: they transferred images and texts onto T-shirts using vinyl cutting machines and digital heat presses. Projects that combine AI and hands-on activities bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, enhancing students’ engagement and comprehension. This hands-on experience allowed them to integrate technology into the curriculum, witnessing modern digital production dynamics firsthand. After exporting the final designs as PNG images, students used the Cricut Space app for resizing and printing. With the Cricut Maker 3, students cut the mirrored images and weeded excess vinyl. They finally transferred designs onto T-shirts, experiencing the satisfaction of bringing their creations to life.
The project’s effectiveness was assessed using a mixed data collection approach, including questionnaires and interviews. Results showed a 35% increase in students’ understanding of online safety topics, highlighting significant growth in digital citizenship awareness.
The project was finally presented to parents during a workshop. Parents appreciated both the online safety messages conveyed through the T-shirts and the students’ creative use of artificial intelligence, calling the project a great success. Presenting project outcomes to the community enhances students’ communication skills and confidence, promoting a culture of sharing and collective growth. Such initiatives guide our students on their educational journey, preparing them to move from the classroom to the outside world, ready to shape the future with innovation, integrity, and awareness.
About the author
Teacher of Art, Image and Digital Design and passionate about digital innovations, he holds the position of Digital Learning Coach at H-FARM International School Rosà. He focuses on integrating cutting-edge solutions and introducing the use of artificial intelligence in learning processes. As an Apple Certified Trainer, Professional Learning Specialist, and Distinguished Educator, he is an expert in applying Apple technologies to enhance teaching and foster creativity. His interest also extends to educational robotics, Augmented and Virtual Reality, and the integration of STEAM methodologies in teaching.
