Inside a Future-Ready Classroom: AI, Teachers, and a Bold New Approach to Learning

Monday, 16 June, 2025

The AI in My Classroom Teacher Incubator Program, hosted by the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), brought together 50 teachers from 24 schools across the UAE for a two-day deep dive into ethical, effective AI integration in education. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and proposal evaluations, educators were challenged to reimagine their classrooms with AI-driven strategies.

Among the participants, MSB Private School distinguished itself with a clear, practical, and school-wide approach, earning the top prize and emerging as a leading example of responsible AI adoption in the UAE’s K–12 education landscape.

Following the event, MSB deployed AI tools such as Magic School AI and Tutor Me with AI across multiple subjects in Key Stages 2 and 3. Teachers focused on addressing gaps in research and comprehension by guiding students to use AI as an academic support tool—while maintaining strict guidelines around responsible use.

“We identified that students needed support in research and comprehension,” said Tasneem Bhatia, Innovation Lead at MSB. “The tools we selected were chosen to meet those needs without replacing the teacher’s role in the classroom.” Teachers introduced age-appropriate content parameters and trained students on how to prompt AI tools effectively. According to Bhatia, student engagement increased significantly, particularly among those who were previously less vocal in class discussions.

Grade 6 science teacher Fatima Painter reported a notable shift in classroom dynamics.
“Using these tools was like having 24 teaching assistants,” she said. “It allowed me to focus on facilitation while the AI supported individual students’ learning needs.”

Students themselves reported improvements in confidence, independent learning, and questioning skills. “It helped me study at my own pace,” said Tasneem Zagib, a Year 6 student. “I didn’t need to rely on the teacher or the AI. I learned to trust what I knew.”

The project also included structured pre- and post-assessments, as well as student and teacher surveys to track the impact. Results indicated improvements in both learning outcomes and teacher confidence.

MSB’s leadership is now taking steps to institutionalize the practice. The school is developing a formal policy on ethical AI use, with plans to embed AI literacy into the curriculum across all subjects. Ongoing professional development is also being introduced to support teachers in adapting their lesson planning and pedagogy.

“Our goal is not just to experiment with AI tools but to use them as part of a wider shift toward adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready education,” said Rashida Lokhandwala, Head of Section for Key Stage 2.

MSB’s success comes at a time when schools globally are exploring the role of AI in learning environments. What distinguishes MSB’s approach is its emphasis on balance—leveraging technology while preserving human-led teaching and accountability.

The AI in My Classroom – Teacher Incubator Program was delivered by the ENAI Working Group Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE and hosted by UOWD, in recognition of International Teachers' Day. The event featured nine speakers, six mentors, and three judges, who evaluated proposals based on clarity, feasibility, and ethical alignment.

UOWD and the Centre plan to continue supporting schools in the responsible adoption of AI tools, highlighting MSB’s implementation as a scalable model for other institutions.