AI tools are being recommended to keep up with studies during the Alberta teachers’ strike
Posted October 1, 2025 3:54 pm.
Last Updated October 1, 2025 6:51 pm.
After nearly 90 per cent of teachers rejected the deal between the Alberta Teachers Association and the provincial government, parents are bracing for the looming strike, a college institution in Edmonton is providing tools to fill that gap with the help of artificial intelligence.
“Kind of sad because I want my kids to be physically at school,” said Ella Idea, mother of three grade school students.
Maricel Cusi and Ella both have kids going to grade school, ranging from Grades 1 to 10. Both stay-at-home moms are now looking for ways to continue their kids’ education. They’re concerned for Alberta’s working parents.
“I can take care of them. We have an alternative, like we can do some activities here while waiting. But my concern is the other parents,” said Cusi.
With the threat of leaving a gap in the education system in the province, Norquest’s machine learning program chair, Stephanie Husby, says artificial intelligence websites like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or Copilot can be used as a tool. They can be a high-tech tool to keep up with studies. What parents need is a detailed prompt to start.
“Math quiz with visual aids,” said Husby. “So you can say things like, based on the Alberta curriculum, explain algebra to my Grade 8 student using examples from real life. Maybe using things like money or other kinds of measurements with visuals with audio narration.”
Trusting AI to teach their kids is difficult for both moms, comparing it to using a search engine.
“Sometimes I use Google to search for that. That’s why I think I can trust AI based on the learning, like fractions,” said Cusi.
Artificial intelligence, the moms agree, is no substitute for teachers in the classroom.
“Because how are they going to correct my kids with the computer, right? So I want the teacher to be the one who’s going to teach them the numbers,” said Idea.
The province and the teachers have until October 6 to reach a deal, something both parents hope will happen.
