Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life in education. For many teachers and parents, that raises big questions. Will AI encourage cheating? Will students stop thinking for themselves? Will technology replace the human parts of learning that matter most? At NorthStar Academy, we believe technology should support meaningful learning and help students grow both academically and personally.
In a recent episode of the NorthStar Narrative podcast titled “How AI Can Make Teaching More Human,” educator Paul Matthews offers a hopeful and thoughtful perspective. Matthews, a classroom teacher in Australia and writer on AI and Christian education, believes technology can actually strengthen the human side of learning.
As he explains in the conversation:
“AI should make education more human, not less human.”
That statement captures the heart of the conversation. Instead of replacing teachers or removing meaningful learning, Matthews believes AI can help educators serve students better, personalize instruction, and focus more on the parts of teaching that truly matter.
What Is Artificial Intelligence in Education?
Artificial intelligence in education refers to the use of technology that can analyze information, generate responses, and assist with tasks that traditionally required human thinking. In classrooms, AI tools can help teachers create lesson materials, simplify complex readings, provide feedback on writing, and support personalized learning for students.
In recent years, tools like ChatGPT and other AI-powered platforms have become widely accessible. As a result, many students and teachers are already experimenting with how these technologies can support learning.
But artificial intelligence also raises important questions. How should students use these tools? When does AI support learning, and when does it replace it? And how can educators ensure that technology strengthens education rather than weakening it?
These are the questions educator Paul Matthews explores in his conversation on the NorthStar Narrative podcast.
Why Schools Are Wrestling with Artificial Intelligence in Education
Artificial intelligence tools have rapidly entered classrooms. Students are already using them to brainstorm ideas, edit writing, and research topics. In some cases, students misuse them to complete assignments in ways teachers never intended.
But Matthews points out that many students have already spent their entire high school experience with AI tools available.
As he explains:
“This generation of students has had AI for their entire high school experience.”
That means educators cannot simply ignore AI or pretend it does not exist. Instead, schools need to lead students in understanding how to use these tools wisely and responsibly.
AI Can Support Teachers, Not Replace Them
One of the most practical ideas Matthews shares is how AI can help teachers manage their workload more effectively.
He describes a simple classroom task: adapting reading materials for students with different reading levels. In the past, this could take a teacher thirty minutes or more to rewrite and simplify a passage.
Now, AI can help complete that task in seconds.
Matthews explains:
“I used to spend 30 minutes per subject differentiating a text… instead of 30 minutes, that takes me about 90 seconds now.”
That time savings matters. Less time spent on repetitive preparation means teachers can spend more time thinking about instruction, interacting with students, and improving learning experiences.
As Matthews puts it:
“I’m bringing a better version of me into the classroom.”
A Classroom That Welcomes Every Student
Another powerful concept Matthews introduces is something he calls “pedagogical hospitality.”
He defines this as structuring learning environments so they welcome students who might otherwise struggle in traditional classrooms.
Some students may need simplified reading materials. Others may need vocabulary definitions or sentence starters to help them begin writing. AI can help teachers create these supports quickly and efficiently.
Matthews explains that the goal is to:
“Welcome the outsider… welcome those who are struggling… welcome those on the periphery of the learning experience.”
When technology helps teachers reach more students effectively, it becomes a tool for compassion and inclusion.
Education Is About Forming a Person
One of the most important insights from the conversation is that the purpose of education must be clearly defined.
If students believe school is simply about completing assignments, they may see AI as a shortcut to finishing work faster.
But Matthews challenges that idea with a deeper vision of learning.
He explains:
“Education is not about producing work, it’s about producing a person.”
Christian education is about formation. Schools are helping students grow into people who can think deeply, analyze ideas, create meaningful work, and live faithfully in the world.
Assignments are simply tools that help shape that process.
Teaching Students to Use AI Wisely
Instead of focusing only on catching cheating, Matthews encourages schools to teach students how to use AI responsibly.
One helpful approach is giving clear expectations about when AI can and cannot be used.
Matthews suggests schools create simple categories for assignments, such as:
- No AI allowed
- AI allowed for editing only
- AI allowed for research
- AI allowed with full transparency
Clarity helps students understand how technology should support learning rather than replace it.
As Matthews says:
“We can’t get upset with students for misusing AI if we’ve never taught them to use it well.”
A Christian Response to Technology
One of the most encouraging parts of the conversation is Matthews’ reminder that Christians do not need to approach AI with fear.
He reminds listeners:
“Christ is on the throne.”
Technological change does not change the truth about human dignity or the purpose of education. Students are still created in the image of God, and learning is still about forming people who think, discern, and live with wisdom.
Christian educators have a unique opportunity to guide students through technological change with clarity and hope.
Continuing the Conversation: A Series on AI and Education
Artificial intelligence will continue to shape education in the years ahead. But as Paul Matthews reminds educators, the most important questions are not about technology—they’re about purpose. Schools still exist to form students who can think clearly, pursue truth, and grow into wise and capable people.
In this conversation, Matthews challenges educators to approach AI with both discernment and hope. Technology can be a powerful tool, but it should always serve the deeper mission of education: helping students develop knowledge, character, and faith.
Because this topic is so important—and because there is so much to unpack—we’ll be continuing this conversation in a short series of blogs inspired by this podcast episode. In the coming posts, we’ll explore several of the key themes Matthews discussed, including:
- how AI can actually make teaching more human, not less
- how schools can guide students to use AI responsibly and wisely
- why foundational skills like writing and critical thinking matter even more in an AI world
- and why the true goal of education is forming a person, not just producing assignments
Each article will dive deeper into these ideas and offer practical insights for teachers, parents, and school leaders navigating the future of education.
If you’re interested in how Christian educators can approach artificial intelligence with wisdom and confidence, we invite you to continue exploring this series.