PSLE#39 English Oral – The AI Co-Pilot: Balancing ChatGPT and Character
PSLEhacker Episode #39 - OREO Method
Date of News Article: 20 February 2026 Source: Adapted from The Straits Times & Ministry of Education (MOE) Updates
Reading Passage:
In early 2026, the debate over artificial intelligence in Singapore’s classrooms reached a new peak, centering on a critical question: “Can schools balance ChatGPT and character-building?”. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has progressively integrated AI-powered tools into the Student Learning Space (SLS), functioning as tireless teaching assistants that provide adaptive, personalized feedback to students.
However, the rapid advancement of generative AI like ChatGPT has shifted the educational landscape. Teachers are moving away from merely relying on plagiarism checkers—which are no longer foolproof—to designing assessments that test a student’s fundamental understanding. The primary goal is to ensure students do not mindlessly copy AI-generated content, but rather understand the underlying concepts.
Experts emphasize that while AI is brilliant at organizing information, the critical skills for students today are to “discover, distil, and discern”. By making the meaningful and wise choice to treat AI as a “co-pilot” rather than an autopilot, students can proactively tackle complex subjects without losing their own voice.
Ultimately, as we weather the storm of this technological revolution, our human values, critical thinking, and civic-mindedness remain our most indispensable assets.
Word Count: 295 words
PSLE Oral Practice: Stimulus-Based Conversation (Advanced O.R.E.O.)
Question 1: Visual Analysis
“Look at the picture. What is the person doing, and how has this technology changed the way students learn today?”
O (Opinion): I believe the person in the image is engaging with a generative AI tool like ChatGPT, which has rapidly transformed how we process information and study.
R (Reason): The glowing “AI” and “ChatGPT” holograms over the keyboard symbolize how technology has become an indispensable “co-pilot” for modern education. Instead of just reading textbooks, students can now use AI to generate instant, detailed explanations for complex math or science problems.
E (Experience): For my own PSLE Oral preparation, I occasionally use AI to brainstorm ideas and vocabulary. However, my teachers always remind us to make a proactive effort to verify the facts, ensuring we are not oblivious to the tool’s potential mistakes or biases.
O (Opinion Restated): Therefore, while the interface in the picture is powerful, our human discernment is the most crucial element in using it safely.
Question 2: Personal Opinion & Morality
“Some people say that using ChatGPT for schoolwork is just another form of cheating. Do you agree with this statement?”
O (Opinion): I feel that AI is a “double-edged sword”; it only becomes a form of cheating if we lack the discipline to use it responsibly.
R (Reason): If a student mindlessly copies a ChatGPT essay to get a quick grade, they rob themselves of fundamental learning. However, if they use the SLS AI tutor to understand why their grammar is wrong, it acts as a tireless, adaptive teacher that builds their skills.
E (Experience): In class, our teachers encourage us to be “Digital First Responders.” This means we critically evaluate AI output rather than accepting it blindly. By treating AI as a debate partner rather than an answer key, we forge a strong sense of camaraderie with our peers as we discuss and critique the results.
O (Opinion Restated): Making the meaningful and wise choice to use AI for guidance, rather than a shortcut, builds the character needed for the future.
Question 3: Solution-Based (Future Readiness)
“Since AI is here to stay, what is one important rule schools should implement to help students use it safely?”
O (Opinion): I think schools should implement a mandatory “AI Literacy and Verification” module for all students.
R (Reason): As AI becomes more advanced, it is very easy for students to be tricked by “hallucinations”—which is when the AI confidently gives the wrong answer. If we don’t teach students how to cross-check information, it could be detrimental to their education.
E (Experience): In my school, we are taught the importance of integrity. We learn that while a calculator helps with math, we still need to know the basic formulas. Knowing how to “prompt” an AI correctly and check its sources gives me a deep sense of reassurance that I control the technology, and not the other way around.
O (Opinion Restated): Ultimately, educating students on digital discernment is an indispensable step for a Smart Nation.
Theme: Digital Literacy / Artificial Intelligence / Academic Integrity Visual Stimulus: The uploaded image showing a person typing on a laptop keyboard, with glowing holographic overlays of the letters “Ai”, document icons, and the blue “ChatGPT” logo floating above the screen.
🌟 Mastery Vocabulary List
Generative: Capable of producing or creating something (like text or images).
Adaptive: Able to change or be changed in order to deal successfully with new situations (like the AI adjusting to a student’s learning pace).
Discernment: The ability to judge well; figuring out what is true and what is false.
Autopilot: Doing something without thinking about it (used as a contrast to being a “co-pilot”).
Hallucination: In technology, this refers to an AI generating false or illogical information and presenting it as fact.