Open Montessori, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hands-on educational experiences, has announced the completion of a five-day workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) and authorship for seventh- and eighth-graders at New School Montessori in Lancaster.

The workshop, held from April 24 through 28, focused on how new generative tools, including ChatGPT and Midjourney, can be used in the creative process of writing and illustration. During the workshop, students tested a variety of AI-enabled platforms and discussed how these technologies might impact their future academic and professional careers. Despite many concerns and unknowns about the implications of AI in society, the young students took an optimistic approach to the topic, exploring ways that A.I. might be incorporated into their creative workflow.

After studying the building blocks of good storytelling, each student authored and illustrated his or her own 24-page children's book with the help of AI in just two days. The books were then printed and presented to friends and families at an open house on April 28.

Praising the students for their efforts were Bob Witmer, a representative from White Oak, which donated its services to print all of the students' books and book covers; Robyn Stearne, the head of school at New School Montessori; and Tim Austin, director of Open Montessori.

For more information about Open Montessori and New School Montessori, visit http://www.openmontessori.org and http://www.newschool.net, respectively.