Global Connections: GNS Grade 8s Explore the Ethics of AI with Round Square

In an era where technology dissolves physical borders, the concept of the classroom is expanding. For the first time at Glenlyon Norfolk School, students participated in a Round Square “Postcard”—a virtual meeting designed to connect students to discuss pressing contemporary issues.

Three Grade 8 students—Gabby, Jada and Jordan—represented the school. Hosted by St. Andrews School for Girls in South Africa, the event brought together approximately 30 participants from countries like India, Argentina, the United States, Chile and of course Canada. The topic was as timely as it is complex: “The Responsible Use of Social Media and AI.”

Following their participation, the three students presented their findings at a Middle School assembly, sharing not only what they learned about artificial intelligence but also the value of cross-cultural dialogue.

A Round Square Postcard is a short yet impactful virtual conference that allows students to collaborate with peers from the worldwide network of Round Square schools without the need for international travel.

“We have a big group conversation and then split up into Baraza groups,” Gabby explained during the assembly. “In small groups, you have to talk and share your own ideas. We get asked questions and respond to them. At the end of the meeting we had representatives from each Baraza group talk about what they talked about in their group.”

This format—moving from a keynote or broad discussion into intimate Baraza breakout rooms—is seen at many Round Square events. It encourages democratic discussion, ensuring that every student has a voice. 

For Jordan, the highlight was the sheer diversity of the room. “We met with lots of different people from all different schools around the world,” she noted. It was an opportunity to see how teenagers across the globe are navigating the digital landscape.

The conference theme challenged students to analyze Artificial Intelligence from political, social, and economic viewpoints, in addition to how it impacts daily life. The GNS students came away with a nuanced perspective, recognizing that while AI offers convenience, it demands critical thinking.

In their presentation to the Middle School Assembly, the students highlighted a key takeaway: AI is very easy to use, but that comes at the cost of accuracy. They warned their peers about “hallucinations”—instances where AI presents false information as fact.

In the assembly, Gabby shared that, “As humans, we need to change our expectations of AI and question its knowledge. Because humans put so much trust into AI, it affects everyone’s privacy, creativity, and the environment.”

However, the discussion wasn’t entirely pessimistic. The students acknowledged the value of the technology when used responsibly. They identified positive takeaways, such as AI’s ability to guide thinking in stressful situations, its role as a free, open-access educational tool, and its capacity to increase productivity.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Round Square Postcard was the honest dialogue it created. When the students broke out into their Baraza groups “it felt like a safe space,” Jada shared. “Everyone was sharing their opinions, but they weren’t fighting against each other. Everyone agreed with everyone and built off each other’s ideas.”

This global forum revealed differences in how schools around the world are handling the rise of generative AI. All three students reflected on how they appreciated GNS’s clarity around AI and our emphasis on academic integrity and critical thinking.

“I feel like GNS is doing pretty well with AI,” said Jada. “I really like how they give us an expectation on how to use AI and how much exactly… instead of just no or yes.”

Jordan agreed, noting that the restrictions placed were for the benefit of the students themselves. “It’s helping us grow and build for when we’re getting older because we’re going to need these thinking skills. No matter how good AI is, humans will always be better because we’re the ones who made it.”

While academic integrity was a major focus, the conference also shed light on a less discussed aspect of AI: its environmental footprint. Gabby explained that the technology is “really draining, it uses non-renewable sources, and it’s insanely disruptive to the world.”

This insight demonstrates the depth of the students’ engagement. They aren’t just looking at how technology affects their grades, but how it impacts the planet—a true reflection of the Round Square ideal of Environmentalism.

The students are eager to encourage their peers to get involved. They see Round Square not just as a club, but as a vital training ground for the future.

“Round Square is so valuable because it teaches you ways to give back to your community and ways of learning not just for yourself, but for the overall,” Jada summarized. “You get to learn about a ton of different things while helping other people, which I think is just a really important life skill to have.”

The success of this Round Square Postcard has set a precedent for Middle School students. It proved that meaningful global dialogue doesn’t require a plane ticket—just an open mind and an internet connection.

“Overall, it was really interesting and an amazing opportunity to be a part of,” Jada concluded. “It was a great learning experience that will make an impact on our daily lives, and we would definitely do it again.”

For Middle School students inspired by Gabby, Jada, and Jordan’s experience, the door is open. As Jordan announced at the assembly: “If you are not already a Round Square Member, you can still join by expressing your interest in an email to Mr. Brice.” 

Future Round Square opportunities will be announced in the Middle School Snapshot and at Assemblies.