Supporting wellbeing using AI in the classroom

Charlotte Guest
A class of children with tablets standing and talking
Reading time: 3.5 minutes

According to Gutman & Vorhaus, 2012 students with higher levels of emotional, behavioral, social, and school wellbeing, on average, have higher levels of academic achievement and are more engaged in school. It’s no wonder that fostering wellbeing in the classroom has become a priority for educators. The rise of technology brings up new challenges and issues, but with AI, there are now innovative ways to support student wellbeing like never before.

In this guide, we’ll explore how AI can be a powerful ally in promoting learner wellbeing. From suggesting wellbeing exercises to providing personalised support, AI offers a variety of tools that can help you create a more supportive and engaging learning environment. 

Understanding learner wellbeing

Learner wellbeing encompasses the emotional, social, and academic dimensions of a student's life. It involves feeling safe, supported, and engaged in the learning process, as well as fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers. 

Wellbeing is interconnected with various aspects of an individual's life, whether educational or otherwise, and applies to everyone, regardless of their background. Research indicates that the connections between emotional, behavioral, social, and academic wellbeing, are generally consistent for children and adolescents (Gutman & Vorhaus, 2012).

Promoting wellbeing is crucial for student success and holistic development. When learners feel positive about themselves and their surroundings, they are more likely to engage actively in class, achieve better academic results, and cultivate strong social skills. However, the constant stimulation from social media and entertainment can affect students' overall wellbeing.  

How AI Supports wellbeing in the classroom

AI can play an important role in supporting learner wellbeing by providing insights and tools that help teachers address their students' needs. Over two-thirds of teachers worry AI might negatively impact mental health, but only a quarter of learners agree.

Integrating AI into classroom practices can be straightforward. ere are numerous ways to incorporate technology that supports student wellbeing.

AI for mental health support

Mindfulness and stress management apps

AI can guide students in mindfulness practices and stress reduction, helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms. 

Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs

AI-powered programs enhance social and emotional learning by providing interactive activities and personalized feedback.

Empathy and compassion training

AI tools help students develop empathy and compassion, fostering a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Ethical considerations

Privacy and data security

Protecting student data and ensuring privacy are paramount when using AI in the classroom. Always choose tools that comply with data protection regulations and have robust security measures in place.

Bias and fairness

Address potential biases in AI algorithms and strive for equitable practices. Ensure that AI tools are designed and tested to avoid reinforcing existing biases.

Teacher oversight

Human oversight is crucial in AI applications to ensure ethical use. Teachers must be actively involved in monitoring and interpreting AI-generated data.

Practical tips for teachers

Choosing the right tools

Select AI tools that align with your educational goals and support student wellbeing. Look for features such as real-time monitoring, personalized feedback, and data security.

Integrating AI into daily practice

Seamlessly integrate AI tools into your classroom routines. Start with small steps, such as using an AI-powered app for mindfulness sessions, and gradually expand as you become more comfortable with the technology.

Professional development

Stay informed about AI and wellbeing through professional development opportunities. Attend workshops, join online communities, and read up on the latest research to enhance your understanding and skills. 

Keeping up to date

AI offers a range of tools that can help you create a more supportive and engaging environment for your students. Explore our webinar on 'Building confidence in AI skills for English language teaching' and Billie Jago's AI series on our Facebook page

We encourage you to explore AI tools and consider their potential benefits for student wellbeing. By integrating AI into your teaching practice, you can enhance your students' overall experience and foster a positive learning environment.

References

Gutman & Vorhaus (2012), The Impact of Pupil Behaviour and Wellbeing on Educational Outcomes.

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    Speakers: Approximately 1.5 billion

    Native speakers: Around 360 million

    Regions: Widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

    Highlights: English is the most widely spoken language worldwide when combining native and non-native speakers. It's the primary language in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. English is the dominant language in international business, science and technology.

    2. Mandarin Chinese

    Speakers: Over 1.1 billion

    Native speakers: About 920 million

    Regions: Mainly in China, Taiwan and Singapore

    Highlights: Mandarin is the language with the largest number of native speakers. It's one of the six official languages of the United Nations and has a significant cultural and historical importance.

    3. Hindi

    Speakers: Around 600 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 341 million

    Regions: Predominantly in India and Nepal

    Highlights: Hindi is predominantly spoken in India and Nepal, with approximately 341 million native speakers. It is one of the official languages of India and is spoken by a large portion of the Indian population. It has numerous dialects and is written in the Devanagari script.

    4. Spanish

    Speakers: Approximately 560 million

    Native speakers: About 460 million

    Regions: Spain, Latin America and parts of the United States

    Highlights: Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and is widely spoken in the Americas. In many of these countries, Spanish serves as the national language, playing a crucial role in government, education and media. It’s known for its rich literature and cultural heritage.

    5. French

    Speakers: Around 280 million

    Native speakers: About 77 million

    Regions: France, parts of Africa, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland

    Highlights: French is another of the six official languages of the United Nations. It's widely used in international diplomacy and has a significant number of speakers in Africa due to France's colonial history.

    6. Arabic

    Speakers: Approximately 270 million

    Native speakers: Around 310 million

    Regions: Middle East and North Africa

    Highlights: Arabic is a central Semitic language that is the liturgical language of Islam. It has many dialects, with Modern Standard Arabic being used in formal settings and media. Arabic has numerous spoken forms, with significant variations in dialects across different regions.

    7. Bengali

    Speakers: Around 265 million

    Native speakers: About 230 million

    Regions: Bangladesh and parts of India

    Highlights: Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and the second most spoken language in India. Alongside other languages like Hindi and Urdu, Bengali plays a crucial role in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. It’s known for its rich literary tradition.

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    Speakers: Approximately 220 million

    Native speakers: Around 220 million

    Regions: Brazil, Portugal and parts of Africa

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    Speakers: Around 258 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 154 million

    Regions: Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

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    Speakers: Approximately 128 million

    Native speakers: Around 128 million

    Regions: Japan

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