Faculty Member Named ICGS Fellow

Merion Mercy Academy Theology teacher and department chair Marianne Rule has been accepted into the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) Global Action Research Collaborative cohort on “The AI Frontier in Girls’ Schools.” Her selection reflects Rule’s expertise in artificial intelligence in the classroom, a topic on which she presented in June 2024 at the annual conference of the International Society for Technology and Education. 

As an ICGS fellow, Rule will be engaged in an 18-month program of training and research on this topic, after which she will write up her findings and prepare a presentation for the organization’s annual conference. She will base her research on girls’ teaching and learning within her own active classroom environment at Merion Mercy.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in schools around the world has garnered significant attention as it offers both solutions to enhance education, while presenting complex challenges in effective implementation. According to ICGS, “Researchers in this cohort are encouraged to examine the efficacy and potential impact of AI on the teaching and learning of girls in areas such as student engagement, academic performance, and educational outcomes amongst many others.” At the same time, they may need to consider the potential challenges. Ultimately, these AI research projects will “provide evidence-based insights and guidelines for leveraging AI to its fullest potential in girls’ schools, while mitigating potential risks and ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students.

In reflecting on the opportunity to serve as an ICGS fellow, Rule says:

“I'm thrilled to connect with educators worldwide who share my passion for creating exceptional learning experiences for girls. The landscape of education is rapidly evolving due to technological advances, and my ICGS project will offer valuable insights into the positive, ethical use of AI in an all-girls environment. This opportunity will also let me model the creativity and growth I encourage in my students as they become adaptable and collaborative global citizens.”