St. John’s University The Democracy Roundtable was recently held at St. Augustine Hall. William H. Maxwell High School of Career and Technical Education A one-day event focused on the democratic process was held in Brooklyn, New York.
The Democracy Roundtable: A New Forum for Youth Participation built on the success of the first meeting. 2024 Roundtable, Provides students with opportunities to engage directly in democratic processes. The 2024 Roundtable left an impression on Maxwell College student Christian Vasquez Jr. He attended the event as a junior and returned this year with a new perspective on his future.
“Being here before really opened my eyes to the university,” he said. “Right now, I’m coming to St. John’s this fall and am very excited about all the activities on campus.”
The four-hour event on March 14 brought 25 students to the university. queensNew York, Campus. It featured discussions, policy debates, and competitive small group presentations on the safe and appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) in school homework.
The students started their day by listening to the teacher’s talk. Dr. Megan M. DunnAssistant Professor, and Dr. Elizabeth FondrenAssociate Professor, both Mass media department in Leslie H. and William L. Collins Graduate School of Professional Studies. Teachers portrayed key stakeholders: educators and technology entrepreneurs with competing perspectives on the use of AI in education. While some argued that AI can support learning and creativity, others raised concerns about how over-reliance on AI could impact students’ ability to think independently.
“Concepts like democracy can feel distant or overly complex,” he says. Dr. Luca Jandri., Dean and Professor, Collins School of Professional Studies; Computer Science, Mathematics and Science Department. “What we want to do is give students the opportunity to experience that complexity firsthand and understand how different perspectives come together to shape policy.”
The students worked in small groups to discuss the issue and develop policy proposals that were later submitted to the entire Congress. Opinions varied, but most groups supported the use of AI in education and emphasized that it should be used responsibly, with clear guidelines. Some groups focused on developing such plans, while others developed broader policy approaches.
Dr Dunn said the event provided valuable insight into how students are already engaging with AI.
“This is a great opportunity for students to think about these types of issues early on,” Dr. Dunn said. “As AI becomes such a pervasive tool, understanding its impact on learning and development is critical.”
The roundtable also allowed students to voice conversations that directly impact them.
“Too often young people are talked to rather than talked to,” he said. Miriam E. PreverPart-time lecturer at Collins Professional Graduate School. “This event gives them an opportunity to express how they feel about democracy and address real-world issues.”
Students who visited said the event helped them better understand both sides of the AI debate.
“I think it’s very useful information,” Tamir Sobers said. “This helps students understand AI, including its pros and cons. It gives them an opportunity to talk and discuss AI.”
“This allows us to look at both sides of an issue: what we know and what we don’t know,” Isaiah Slaughter added. “I think what St. John’s is doing is really good.”
Chevron Cox, a special education teacher and student council advisor at Maxwell High School, said the discussion surrounding the use of AI was an inspiration to her students. “Students are divided on AI,” Ms. Cox said. “Some people want to embrace it, others find it a substitute for thinking. I was interested in seeing what they would produce.”
