Exploring Poetry and Expression in a Digital World at ISG Jubail

At ISG Jubail, high school STEAM students explored the evolving relationship between creativity and technology through a unit centered on slam poetry and artificial intelligence.

As digital tools continue to shape how people communicate and create, students began by examining the growing presence of AI in everyday life. Classroom conversations led by Mr. Casey Martin focused on how technology influences expression, how ideas are shared and what it means to create in a world where human and digital voices often intersect.

Students then began experimenting with AI as part of their own creative process. Using prompts connected to personal themes, they generated poetry and reflected on how technology can support idea development and offer new perspectives. These experiences opened space for thoughtful discussion around authorship, originality and the role of the writer. Students considered where technology can be helpful and where human voice remains essential, building a deeper understanding of both the possibilities and the limitations of AI.

As the unit progressed, the focus shifted toward the human side of slam poetry. Students explored how emotion, storytelling and performance bring writing to life in ways that feel personal and powerful. Through mentor texts and shared discussions, they examined elements such as rhythm, repetition and connection with an audience. These lessons encouraged students to think about how their own voices can carry meaning beyond the words on a page.

Students developed original slam poetry pieces by blending AI generated drafts with their own experiences, perspectives and emotions. Through revision and practice, they shaped their work into performances that reflected both creativity and individuality. Attention to tone, pacing and delivery helped students communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence, creating performances that felt authentic and engaging.

Throughout the unit, students reflected on the balance between using technology as a tool and maintaining a strong personal voice. Their work highlighted the importance of expression that feels honest and connected, even in a digital age.

At ISG Jubail, learning continues to grow through experiences that invite students to think deeply, create with purpose and share their voices in ways that matter.