Aurora Heights Public School and Thornil Middle School won the first Prompt-A-Thon by the York Region School Board. This prompt-a-thon gave students the opportunity to explore real-world challenges using generative AI.
Aurora Heights Public School and Thornil Intermediate School are the recipients of York Regional School Board’s first Prompt-A-Thon, which gave students the opportunity to explore real-world challenges using generative AI.
The event, held at York University’s Markham campus, attracted students from grades 7 to 12. The students worked in teams and used board-approved AI tools to develop thoughtful solutions to real-world challenges, according to a YRDSB news release. Students also actively participated in planning and running the event.
Throughout the day, students engaged in discussions about how AI can support learning while continuing to build important skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving.
Ivy, an eighth-grader at Franklin Street Public School, said, “I’m glad to be here because although AI can’t replace humans, we can learn a lot about how it can help people in the future.”
The event allowed students to apply the board’s student AI guidelines released earlier this year. To develop their solutions, students engaged in a process of research, refining their ideas, and evaluating the AI-generated responses.
“What I realized today, and what I hope they take away from today, is to really center themselves and make sure they don’t lose their agency, their voice, and their originality,” said Zach Teitel, Unionville High School English department chair.
Watch this short video to hear from students, speakers, and educators at the event, and see some of the solutions developed by students.
