Education | Winter 2025

EDUCATION GUIDE

SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • DECEMBER 2025

questions such as ‘Where did this information come from?’ “I think we as learners should approach anything that we learn with that critical eye. Critical thinking … is one of those skills that employers look for that is going to build our society,” she says. “In particular with AI, if we’re given some output from a prompt, we have to still question whether or not that (information) is valid. We can’t just take what ChatGPT says verbatim. That’s the way these large language models work. They take information from the internet, which is not always 100 per cent true.” Latimer suggests parents consider having a conversation with their chil- dren about AI and talk about what it has to offer as well as its potential pit- falls. She also recommends parents test some of the AI tools that are available and see what they can do for themselves so they can teach their kids about them and how to use them responsibly. It’s also a good idea for teachers to address the issue with their students, es- pecially if it’s not part of the official curriculum. “Have some authentic communication and conversations about AI in the classroom and say why this is wrong or this is what I think. It can spark some very interesting conversations and steer (students) in the direction of doing things a little more ethically,” she says. Latimer also recommends that teachers spell out for students when it is ac- ceptable to use AI and when it’s not. For example, they could say it is allowed for certain types of assignments but require students to cite when it is used. Since AI is expected to be around for the long haul, it’s imperative that edu- cators and parents teach young learners how to use it effectively and respon- sibly sooner rather than later, she adds. With more and more employers seek- ing people who are knowledgeable about AI, those who aren’t run the risk of being left behind. “There’s a quote that I heard at a conference that really stuck in my mind. It’s that AI is not going to take our jobs, it’s the people that understand how to use AI and leverage it that are going to take the jobs.” n

Parents and educators should encourage young learners how to critically assess data gathered using AI.

I think we as learners should approach anything that we learn with that critical eye. Critical thinking … is one of those skills that employers look for that is going to build our society. ”

— Karen Latimer , Computer Science Teacher, St. Paul's High School

Access Program building community students. Students must be fully qualified for admission to the University of Manitoba. The Access team is committed to creating pathways for student success. They ap- proach learning from a wholistic perspec- tive, respecting the diversity inherent in Access’s community of learners.

The Access Program at the University of Manitoba was created for students who have traditionally faced barriers to post-secondary education. For 50 years, the program has supported hundreds of students to achieve degrees in sciences, health sciences, liberal arts and fine arts. These students have built careers as doc- tors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, respi- ratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers, social work- ers and lawyers. We couldn’t be prouder of these valuable members of our society. The Access Program accepts applications from all students and priority of accep- tance is given to Indigenous, residents from northern and remote communities, newcomers and financially compromised

Submit your application to join the Access Program by May 1 each year and begin your educational journey at the University of Manitoba with our support.

Karen Latimer, Computer Science Teacher, St. Paul's High School.

Umanitoba.ca/access-program

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