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In a role reversal that challenged traditional learning, more than 100 staff at Calrossy today became students for the day, diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through an innovative new outreach program led by the University of New England (UNE).
The AI Outreach Program is a new pilot initiative designed to help school teachers and staff across the New England North West region understand AI and its applications in education. Calrossy was the first school to take part in this program, which is expected to be rolled out across other schools in the region in the coming months. The workshop gave educators the opportunity to explore how AI is shaping the way students learn and how teachers can use it as a tool in their profession.
The hands-on workshops were led by Associate Professor Aaron Driver from UNE’s LabNext70 and Dr Kyle Mulrooney, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, who worked closely with staff to demystify AI and explore its applications in the classroom.
"We’re facing what is arguably the most transformative technology in human history, and it’s arriving at an unprecedented pace,” said Associate Professor Driver.
"Education is at the forefront of this change. Schools cannot afford to wait—they need practical strategies now to ensure AI is used effectively and ethically.”
Dr Mulrooney echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of embracing AI as a tool rather than a threat. "AI is not here to replace teachers but to empower them. Used thoughtfully, it can enhance learning, support individual student needs, and free educators to focus on what they do best—teaching and mentoring.”
Carlrossy Principal, Mr David Smith, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the need for teachers to be equipped with the right tools to harness AI effectively.
"AI is forcing us to re-evaluate education from Kindergarten to Year 12. This program gives teachers an opportunity to explore, experiment, and ask the big questions about the future of learning," Mr Smith said.
"Some of our teachers are already leading the way, while others are just beginning their journey with AI. What today’s workshop has reinforced is that no one has all the answers yet—but by working together, we can discover innovative and responsible ways to integrate AI into our teaching.”
With AI already influencing fields from medicine to agriculture, the program’s goal is to ensure that students are not only prepared for these changes but can also navigate them with critical thinking and integrity—core values that align with Calrossy’s commitment to excellence in a Christian environment.
UNE’s Director of Place-Based Education and Research, Associate Professor Melanie Fillios, emphasised the importance of collaboration between universities and schools in regional NSW.
"UNE is committed to being an enabler of change and growth in our region. This begins with partnerships like the one we have with Calrossy, where we are helping to build capacity through education and awareness,” she said.
The AI Outreach Program follows a successful intake of students into UNE’s Graduate Certificate in AI Innovation in 2024. As AI continues to shape the future of work and learning, Calrossy is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring its students and staff are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.
