Students compose music with AI in 'Character Strong Project'

Introduction

In recent years, the accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) has surged, raising concerns and excitement among educators nationwide. At Mountain View Elementary School, sixth-grade students are leveraging this technology to create new music through an innovative project aimed at redefining learning tools in a creative way.

As schools grapple with the implications of AI in the classroom, the unknown capabilities of these tools continue to stir apprehension. While some institutions have opted to ban programs like ChatGPT, others are choosing to embrace the potential of AI. As stated by a teacher involved in the project, initial thoughts revolved around the fear that students might rely on AI to generate essays and assignments without putting in their own effort. However, they soon realized that using AI demands a different set of skills, requiring students to engage critically and creatively in the process of crafting their final compositions.

Under the 'Character Strong Project,' students explore various character traits each month, using AI to compose music that embodies the themes and emotions related to those traits. This innovative approach not only allows students to express their creativity but also to connect their musical projects with core values that the curriculum aims to instill. One sixth grader shared their enthusiasm: "I'm really excited about it because I like to make songs myself. I think it'll be really cool." The project strives to intertwine multiple learning components, fostering a sense of tradition and excitement among the students.

For teachers, the initiative represents an essential step in making learning relevant to real-world applications. As they explore the intersection of technology and creativity, the project highlights the importance of preparing students for future challenges. In Great Falls, this inspiring effort takes a front seat in harnessing technological innovations for educational purposes.

Keyword

• AI
• Mountain View Elementary School
• sixth grade
• music composition
• Character Strong Project
• creativity
• education
• technology

FAQ

Q: What is the Character Strong Project?
A: The Character Strong Project is an initiative at Mountain View Elementary School where students explore different character traits each month, using AI to compose music that reflects those traits.

Q: How are students using AI in the project?
A: Students use AI programs to help compose music that embodies the themes and emotions related to the character traits they are studying, ultimately combining their creativity with technology.

Q: Why are some schools banning AI programs like ChatGPT?
A: Some schools are concerned that students might misuse AI to generate essays and assignments without contributing their own effort or critical thinking skills.

Q: What benefits do teachers see in using AI for music composition?
A: Teachers believe that using AI in this way not only fosters creativity but also helps students develop critical skills while integrating real-world learning experiences into the classroom.