Year 9 Socratic AI Exercise

In Week 10 of Term 2, Year 9 DE HASS students participated in a Socratic seminar in order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the effects and implications of Australian tourism in Bali. This task consolidated their learning in the Geographies of Interconnections unit.

To prepare for the Socratic seminar, students learned about the positives and negatives of Australians visiting Bali, read and analysed an article about worker wages in Bali, and completed a scaffolded activity where they engaged in a discussion with Artificial Intelligence through the website ChatGPT.

This activity allowed students to engage in respectful dialogue and practise their listening skills before taking part in the Socratic seminar with their peers. After completing the ChatGPT discussion activity, students felt more equipped with questions and answers to bring to their group conversation.

Caitlyn McAliece's conversation with ChatGPT is a fantastic example of interacting with AI technology responsibly in order to further engage with learning.

Danielle Canas

Ethical Tourism in Bali

User

ChatGPT, you are a high school Geography student who is engaging in a Socratic Seminar with me. This discussion is about whether or not Australians should holiday in Bali. Based on my response, challenge me to explore the topic more deeply. Every response you give me should end in a new question that challenges me to think critically about ethical

tourism. I will make the opening statement to start the discussion. Bali is a beautiful destination with amazing and distinct cultures. These cultures make for an emerging experience, which I believe to be detrimental to one's cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance.

ChatGPT

That's an interesting point. Bali's rich cultural landscape does offer a unique opportunity for cultural awareness and understanding. However, considering the large influx of tourists to Bali, how do you think tourism impacts the local culture and community, both positively and negatively?

User

That is an good question Chat GPT. Well, a positive benefit of tourism is business. Tourism provides jobs for many Balinese people, especially those in the market of handcrafted cultural goods and trinkets. The crafters of those would experience a significate lack of business if it weren't for tourists. Also the hospitality industry is flourishing because of tourism. As for a negative impact, the beautiful Balinese environment I mentioned earlier is

being degraded and littered on.

ChatGPT

It's clear that tourism has both economic benefits and environmental costs for Bali. Considering these points, how do you think the influx of tourists affects the traditional lifestyles and cultural practices of the local Balinese people? Are these traditions being preserved, adapted, or potentially lost due to tourism?

User

Due to my current understanding, I would say that tourism keeps Bali's rich culture alive via providing an audience for local performances and a market for cultural crafts. Due to tourism, the Balinese people have to work long hours for little pay. A quote by one of the residents, "Life is Work." However, If the tourists were to refrain from going to Bali, hundreds of thousands of people would be out of a job, and unable to support their large families.

ChatGPT

That's a significant dilemma: the balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring economic stability. Given that tourism can both support and strain local communities, what measures could be implemented to promote more ethical tourism practices in Bali? How might tourists and the tourism industry contribute to sustainable and respectful engagement with the local culture and environment?

User

Well, I believe some sustainable practices such as strict management of litter/waste, rules regarding wildlife treatment (i.e. no feeding the birds.) and perhaps a limit on how many tourists can enter an area each day can have a significant, positive effect on the environment. Also a rule such as 'If you fail to be kind to our cultural performers and other staff you will be kicked out.' might help encourage peaceful & respectful engagement with the culture.

ChatGPT

Those are thoughtful suggestions for promoting more sustainable and respectful tourism. Implementing these measures could help mitigate negative impacts on Bali's environment and culture. However, how can we ensure that these regulations are enforced effectively, and what role should tourists themselves play in promoting ethical tourism practices?

User

That is a good point, ChatGPT. Most of the diligence will likely have to come from the tourists themselves, so posters reminding tourists of the potential consequences of their actions could be an effective solution. Also, perhaps somewhere in each high-tourism area, there could be a few park rangers to keep an eye on the behaviour of tourists, or for people to report too/ask for help. Mabey volunteers or missionaries from oversees could do the job as a service to the community.

ChatGPT

Those are creative ideas for improving oversight and encouraging responsible behaviour among tourists. However, considering the complexities of cultural interactions and ethical tourism, how can we strike a balance between encouraging tourism as a means of economic support for local communities and ensuring that it respects and preserves the integrity of Bali's cultural heritage and natural environment?

User

Thanks you Chat GPT, I have learned a lot from this seminar. Thank you & Bye (:

ChatGPT

You're welcome! It's been a pleasure discussing this topic with you. If you ever want to dive deeper into the complexities of ethical tourism or any other topic, feel free to reach out. Have a great day! Goodbye!