Responsible uses of AI in education: Reflections on a thought-provoking webinar

Tags:

Introducing the SIG

The Digital Sustainability SIG held a webinar with informative speaker Rita Bateson at the end of last year. This was the first event for the Digital Sustainability SIG, therefore the group was introduced by its chair people Kathleen Calder and Paul Astles. The mission statement was shared to frame the group and its intentions. The chairs also put a call out for any future webinar topics from the attendees.

The Wake-Up Call: Trouble in Dublin

Rita Bateson opened the webinar with shocking insights into the trouble with power outages in Dublin. Dublin is now home to a vast concentration of data centres, many of which power AI technologies. The demand for energy has become so intense that parts of the city are experiencing blackouts. In some cases, power has reportedly been diverted from critical infrastructure, including hospitals, to keep data centres running.

Not Anti‑AI — But Conscious Use

Importantly, the message was not “anti‑AI.” Rita was clear and balanced in her approach. When AI saves time, enhances learning, or significantly improves the student experience, it can absolutely be a worthwhile use of energy. This is especially true in areas such as inclusive education, where special education teachers are excited about AI’s potential to personalise learning and better support diverse needs.

The challenge, then, is not whether we should use AI — but how and why.

A Deliberate Approach to AI Use

Rita introduced the idea of conscious use, encouraging participants to pause before using AI tools and ask themselves a set of reflective questions. Using a “deliberation tool,” the tool includes questions such as:

  • Is this use of AI genuinely adding value?
  • Could the task be done just as well without it?
  • Will I still feel proud of this work knowing how it was created?

If the answers lean strongly towards “yes,” then AI may well be the right choice. If not, it might be worth reconsidering.

AI as the New Plastic?

One of the most thought-provoking metaphors of the session compared AI to plastic. Plastic is incredibly useful, even lifesaving in some contexts — but shouldn’t be overused or used carelessly. Similarly, AI can be invaluable when applied to critical areas such as medical research (for example, breast cancer research), but problematic when used excessively or unnecessarily.

This framing challenged us to think not just about innovation, but about reduction, reuse, and responsibility.

The Hidden Cost of Images and Video

Another key takeaway was the energy cost of different types of AI use. Video and image generation consume significantly more energy than text-based AI interactions. This insight prompted reflection on frequent use of AI for video and images that may seem harmless but carry a larger environmental footprint than expected.

Offsetting Our AI Footprint

Rita also touched on the idea of offsetting AI usage — for example, through tree planting initiatives or by actively tracking personal or organisational AI consumption. While offsetting is not a complete solution, it can be a meaningful step towards greater awareness and accountability.

A Final Reflection

During the closing discussion, a question was raised about how this message is typically received, especially by those who may be resistant to changing their behaviour. Rita’s response was refreshingly honest: if people are unwilling to listen, then they are unlikely to be reached anyway. Change, she suggested, starts with those who are open to reflection — and that is where the real impact can begin.

Resources shared at the webinar 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *