AI Sparks Student Potential at Dwight Global Online

At Dwight Global Online School, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is grounded in our mission to spark student potential while promoting ethical, intentional, and innovative use. “AI supports learning, but never replaces student thinking — academic integrity is paramount,” said Head of Academics and Student Affairs Elizabeth Hutton. “Clear assignment-specific AI usage levels guide appropriate student use, with required citations and disclosure.”

Students engage with AI as collaborators, using tools to brainstorm, receive feedback, and explore ideas, always with full transparency and human oversight. This process starts with older Middle School students, who are introduced to AI gradually, focusing on digital literacy, ethical awareness, and safety. AI use at Dwight Global exemplifies the IB Approaches to Learning by reinforcing critical thinking, research, and reflection. In IB-specific contexts, AI can support early drafting for IAs, TOK discussions, and Extended Essay planning — with full citation and ethical use.

Teacher Caleb Westbrook says, “One way I am integrating generative AI into my English 11 classroom is through a multifaceted project in our dystopian short story unit. In this project, students debate the merits of AI in education, analyze its limitations, use AI during both the brainstorming and revision stages of writing their own short story, and reflect on how their views on generative AI evolve throughout the process.”

One student reflected,

This assignment really made my mind open about applying AI to education. I previously only saw it as something used to take shortcuts, but now I consider it more as a writing partner that tests creativity, particularly when used with intention. It is not a question of us doing less — it is a question of enriching the process with fresh perspectives.

Teachers use AI to enhance personalization, create differentiated resources, and streamline tasks like lesson planning or editing. However, all outputs are reviewed to ensure pedagogical accuracy and alignment with Dwight’s values.

In February 2025, Dwight Global ran a series of “UnConferences” for faculty to attend on the topic of AI. Staff members facilitated discussions and presented several applications that teachers and students can use to ease workflow for activities such as note-taking, outlining, and summarizing while still adhering to the school’s AI Policy.

Dwight Global Online Launches New Signing Day Tradition

Our new Signing Day event, held at Dwight School New York, celebrated 18 recruited senior athletes. These athletes have been recruited by Duke, Stanford, Columbia, Dartmouth, and more, and Signing Day honors their commitment to play college sports after graduation this spring, or turn professional.

Tennis player Kendall Smith, bound for Wesleyan University, said it was “inspiring to hear everyone’s speeches and reflect on how far we’ve come.”

Chancellor Stephen Spahn, himself a former Ivy League athlete, told students: “You have proven to be elite in your sport while gaining the best education. The lessons learned in sports make you unique.”