As part of the 2025 Innovation Projects at Colegio Concepción, students from 8th grade through Senior Year electives are taking part in a groundbreaking interdisciplinary initiative titled “80 Years Since World War II: Art in Times of War.” This project, developed through the ABP (Project-Based Learning) methodology, aims to critically examine the Second World War through the lens of art, history, and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
This initiative reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to encourage students to connect global history, ethical technology use, artistic expression, and language skills into one unified learning experience.
Collaboration Across Departments and Levels
Led by a team of teachers from the Departments of History, Arts,and the English immersion program, the project brings together students from:
● 8th grade
● 1st to 4th grade Senior Years
● Elective courses in Art and Design, Aesthetics, and Geography
With strong coordination between teachers Marcos Riveros, Sonia González, Patricia Jerez, Víctor Saavedra, and Luis González, the project is a true example of interdisciplinary teamwork.
Educational Objectives
The central objective is to analyse the role of art during World War II, as a symbol of resistance, a vehicle of propaganda, and a historical testimony of pain and hope. Through this exploration, the project promotes:
● Critical thinking
● Independent research
● Collaborative learning
● Creative use of digital and multimedia tools
● Bilingual communication skills in English
Importantly, students are also encouraged to reflect on how history, art, and culture intersect and how technology can support, rather than replace, their analytical and creative thinking
Responsible Integration of AI
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the intentional and ethical use of artificial intelligence as a learning tool, not as a shortcut, but as a support system for research, idea organization, editing, and multimedia creation.
Students are working with platforms such as:
● ChatGPT – for content generation, summaries, and critical comparison
● Canva & Google Workspace – for design and collaborative timeline building
By learning to verify, adapt, and refine AI-generated content, students are developing not only digital fluency, but also a responsible and reflective approach to 21st-century technology.
Highlighted Activities and Student Work
Over a 10-week period, students will develop various interdisciplinary products, including:
● Interactive historical timelines, created with Canva and verified through AI tools
● Recreations of looted artwork using recycled materials, guided by formal analysis of visual and symbolic language
● Cartographic mapping of World War II’s effects on Latin America and Chile
● Critical essays inspired by the looted art
● Public speaking sessions led by Advanced English Literature students, allowing peers to present findings in English
● A final audiovisual showcase, documenting the entire project process from research to reflection
Values and Vision: Preparing Students for the Future
The project reflects Colegio Concepción’s belief that AI is not a question of if, but of how. As a school, we acknowledge that the use of artificial intelligence in education is no longer optional, it is a reality embraced by society. Our role is to guide our students so they can use these tools ethically, purposefully, and effectively, in line with the values of critical thinking, responsibility, and empathy.
This is not just about integrating technology, it’s about preparing young people to understand the world, question its narratives, and create informed, impactful work that reflects their voices.
Through this project, students are not only learning about history, they are interpreting it, questioning it, and communicating it through meaningful, creative, and ethical practices. “Art in Times of War” is a reflection of how innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration can shape a more informed and empathetic generation.
