Four Year 11 students — Lucy Jehne, Maddison Coats, Hannah Wilson and Kinley Pendleton — with teacher Emma Bryant were the only Australian delegation at the Next Generation AI International Summit in Milan and Lake Como last month.
The Cairns students took part in an international forum that explored how artificial intelligence is transforming knowledge production, interpersonal relationships, work environments, health protection and sustainability, all examined through an educational lens.
AI in education: summit discussions and student projects
Delegates split into four groups to consider AI for arts, AI for earth, AI for life and AI for work. The Cairns team worked on AI for work, and Lucy Jehne presented on stage alongside students from other countries.
“It was a beautiful experience to meet new people across the globe while working together to find new ways on utilising AI in modern day society,” Ms Jehne said. “I was lucky enough at the end of the summit to present my ideas about AI in the workforce to the whole delegation, my peers, teachers from around the world and important Italian ministers,” she said.
Teacher Emma Bryant addressed delegates about the event’s outlook for education: “The past few days have offered an exciting glimpse into the future of AI in education – from drones in the Alla Scalla Theatre to robots in the round hall of Villa Erba,” she told the summit. “It’s been a privilege to share ideas with educators and scholars from around the world.
“My biggest takeaway is this: AI shouldn’t define us. We should define how we use AI. It won’t replace great teaching or the relationships we build with our students. Instead, it can enhance both. As educators, we have a responsibility to teach our students to use AI wisely – to think critically, distinguish fact from fiction and navigate an ever-evolving digital world.
“So, let’s not be afraid of AI.
“Let’s explore it, question it, share our knowledge and use it purposefully to empower our students.”
Ms Coates said the summit “helped us explore the future opportunities of AI, form lifelong friendships with students from around the world, and learn about different cultures and languages, which was my favourite part”.
Ms Wilson said: “Next gen AI, though controversial to the youth involved, brought together hundreds of international students, all with the mindset of finding new experiences and expanding their knowledge on AI’s modern involvement”. “After such a magical experience, I left the summit with a broadened perspective and friends across the globe,” she said.
Ms Pendleton described the event as “an amazing experience, from learning how to really utilise AI as it rapidly emerges in today’s society, to meeting incredible new people from across the globe, creating lifelong connections.”
