The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Generative AI in the classroom risks further threatening Indigenous inclusion in schools

  • Written by Tamika Worrell, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Critical Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University, Macquarie University
Generative AI in the classroom risks further threatening Indigenous inclusion in schools

It is well documented[1] that Australian teachers face challenges incorporating Indigenous perspectives and content in their classrooms. The approach can sometimes be somewhat tokenistic, as if the teacher is “ticking a box[2]”. We need a more culturally responsive teaching workforce[3].

Generative AI[4] is advancing at a fast pace and quickly finding a place within education. Tools such as ChatGPT[5] (or Chatty G as the kids say) continue to dominate conversations in education[6] as these technologies are explored and developed.

There are many concerns around academic integrity and things to consider on how to best introduce[7] and control[8] this technology in practice.

As teachers continue to look for ways to meet Indigenous content requirements[9], it makes sense they would turn to generative AI to assist them in an area they struggle with. But using these tools could do more harm than good.

Indigenous peoples’ concerns around AI

Indigenous people have raised a range of concerns around generative AI. These include the risks these technologies pose for Indigenous people and knowledges.

For example, AI-generated art[10] is causing a significant threat to Indigenous peoples’ incomes, art and cultural knowledges.

The lead image of this article was created using the generative AI platform Midjourney[11]. The prompts included the terms Indigenous, artwork, colourful, artificial intelligence, Aboriginal, Western Sydney and painting styles.

This shows that with AI, anyone can easily produce “Indigenous-style” art[12] and content. This poses a threat to Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights[13].

With AI being trained on vast data sets primarily from the western corpus of knowledge, there are also concerns relating to Indigenous data sovereignty[14] – the right to “govern the collection, ownership and application of data about Indigenous communities, peoples, lands and resources”.

Generative AI can also perpetuate misinformation that harms Indigenous communities. This happened during the Voice referendum campaign, when fake, AI-generated images of Indigenous “no” voters[15] were published on social media.

Importantly, there is also the potential impact to Country due to the environmental costs of data centres – an issue that must be addressed as more generative AI tools come online.

Read more: The environmental cost of data centres is substantial, and making them energy-efficient will only solve half the problem[16]

How do these concerns translate into the classroom?

All students should see themselves reflected in the classroom. This especially applies to Indigenous students, as attested by Closing the Gap targets[17] for educational attainment.

A 2022 report[18] by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership states:

The legacy of colonisation has undermined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ access to their cultures, identities, histories and languages. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have not had access to a complete, relevant and responsive education.

Children need both “windows and mirrors” in the classroom. American education scholar Rudine Sims-Bishop[19] has aptly put this in the context of children’s literature:

When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.

Students need to see themselves reflected in the curriculum, including the technologies used.

By using generative AI, teachers risk perpetrating and promoting inaccuracies and spreading false information instead of meaningfully engaging with Indigenous values and knowledge systems.

This can potentially harm the student–teacher relationship, which is incredibly important[20], particularly for Indigenous students.

Late last year, the Australian government released a framework for generative AI[21] in schools. It offers “guidance on understanding, using and responding to generative AI” to everyone involved in Australian school education.

The framework also affirms the necessity of respecting Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. But we need more extensive work to ensure teachers can do this appropriately. Currently, there is a lack of research that looks at the intersection between generative AI and Indigenous content inclusion in the classroom.

Indigenous futures and AI

Generative AI, and other forms of AI, have extensive potential to benefit Indigenous people and their communities. Many Indigenous people are engaging with the technologies to this effect.

For example, you can take a virtual trip to the Torres Strait Islands[22], spend time at the AI Marae[23] in New Zealand or engage with the Indigenous Protocols and AI Laboratory[24]

But to make room for what is seemingly an inevitable future that involves AI, work needs to be done in policy and professional bodies to ensure Indigenous inclusion at all levels – from development to use.

Teachers and students must be supported with the necessary resourcing to promote critical thinking when engaging with generative AI. Teachers will look to the relevant government bodies, whereas students will look to their teachers for guidance.

It is clear we need further guidance on Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights, and culturally appropriate AI use for educators.

Generative AI still has much to learn, and Indigenous knowledges have much to teach it[25].

References

  1. ^ well documented (figshare.mq.edu.au)
  2. ^ ticking a box (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ culturally responsive teaching workforce (www.aitsl.edu.au)
  4. ^ Generative AI (www.techtarget.com)
  5. ^ ChatGPT (chat.openai.com)
  6. ^ dominate conversations in education (www.unesco.org)
  7. ^ introduce (www.technologyreview.com)
  8. ^ control (thechainsaw.com)
  9. ^ Indigenous content requirements (www.australiancurriculum.edu.au)
  10. ^ AI-generated art (www.crikey.com.au)
  11. ^ Midjourney (www.midjourney.com)
  12. ^ produce “Indigenous-style” art (www.terrijanke.com.au)
  13. ^ Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights (www.artslaw.com.au)
  14. ^ Indigenous data sovereignty (aiatsis.gov.au)
  15. ^ fake, AI-generated images of Indigenous “no” voters (www.theguardian.com)
  16. ^ The environmental cost of data centres is substantial, and making them energy-efficient will only solve half the problem (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Closing the Gap targets (www.closingthegap.gov.au)
  18. ^ A 2022 report (www.aitsl.edu.au)
  19. ^ Rudine Sims-Bishop (witschicago.org)
  20. ^ which is incredibly important (www.edresearch.edu.au)
  21. ^ framework for generative AI (www.education.gov.au)
  22. ^ virtual trip to the Torres Strait Islands (www.abc.net.au)
  23. ^ the AI Marae (www.theaimarae.co.nz)
  24. ^ Indigenous Protocols and AI Laboratory (indigenousprotocols.ai)
  25. ^ much to teach it (www.timeshighereducation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/generative-ai-in-the-classroom-risks-further-threatening-indigenous-inclusion-in-schools-222254

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...