🤖 Section 2: What Is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to technologies that perform tasks which normally require human intelligence — such as recognising patterns, generating content, or making predictions.

A key branch of AI you’ll hear about is Generative AI (GenAI) — tools that create new content based on human prompts.

💬 “I asked ChatGPT to turn my lesson-plan bullet points into a first draft — it saved me 30 minutes and gave me a new idea for an activity.”

— Foundation Tutor, Aotearoa NZ

🪶 He Kōrero Anō | Wānanga as Approach

When we speak of artificial intelligence, we are really speaking of another form of wānanga—to meet, discuss, deliberate, and consider.

AI becomes a meeting place where questions generate knowledge—a dialogue between human and machine, kaiako and tool.

In Te Ao Māori, wānanga is not only an exchange of ideas but a meeting of mauri — the life force that animates learning. Each participant — human or digital — brings their own energy to that encounter.

As kaiako, our role is to step into these spaces with curiosity and courage, while carrying the same discipline of care that guides any hui of learning.

We might ask: What does this tool see that I do not? And what might it never see unless I teach it?

In doing so, we keep the process alive as ako — reciprocal learning — rather than mere automation.

💬 Reflective Prompt

• How could AI act as a partner in learning rather than a replacement?

• In what ways might a wānanga approach — open, dialogic, and values-based — change how you use these tools with learners?

• What boundaries or intentions will help you uphold responsibility, inclusion, and transparency as you invite AI into your practice?