Adult learners on the Spanish programmes at Newbury College brought art and artificial intelligence together in a creative exhibition titled “Mi lugar favorito” (My happy place), held on 29 and 30 April.
The exhibition showcased AI-generated artworks based on the students' personalities, using data from personality tests completed earlier in the year. Each image was created using AI platforms, including a large language model (LLM) and a text-to-image generator. These tools transformed data analysis into unique visual artworks, reflecting the students' diverse traits and preferences.
Two separate exhibitions were held for different learning levels. Intermediate students welcomed visitors to an in-person gallery hosted in the College’s Student Hub, where they presented and discussed their artwork in Spanish. This provided a valuable opportunity to practise their speaking skills with staff and peers, including students from the Spanish Beginners Year 2 programme, who hope to progress to the intermediate level in September.
“Primos cercanos” (Close cousins) inspired by Intermediate student, Alex Rawlings, representing her nurturing personality and her love of gardening and jazz.
Meanwhile, students on the Online Study and Conversation programme held a virtual event via Microsoft Teams. Joining them from Madrid were special guests Raquel Mulas García, a native Spanish speaker, and Michael Taylor, a long-term Spanish language learner and author of the interactive education platform Maths Forensics. Their participation added depth to the conversation, offering authentic listening and speaking practice in a supportive environment.
"Fuerza suave" (Gentle strength) inspired by Advanced student, Dorota Zawisza, representing the modern woman's societal role.
Students also wrote descriptions of their artworks for a printed and digital guidebook, providing an additional opportunity to use written Spanish creatively and meaningfully.
Beccy Monteith, Head of Adult Skills, who visited the exhibition, praised the students’ commitment:
"This innovative project has truly brought learning to life. It’s wonderful to see how AI can enhance creativity and self-expression, while giving our students a practical and engaging way to use their Spanish. Their confidence in presenting their work is a testament to their hard work and the supportive learning environment fostered by our staff."
Shaun Daubney, Spanish tutor and Digital Lead at Newbury College, who led the project, added:
"By using AI as a creative partner, we’ve introduced new ways for students to express themselves, even in another language. When used responsibly, AI tools offer enormous potential to enrich the learning experience and foster deeper engagement through personalisation. The enthusiasm and imagination the students have shown in this and other projects throughout the year have been incredible. It's been a real joy to watch their confidence with both the language and technology grow."
“Un mono tonto” (A silly monkey) was inspired by Intermediate student, Doug Calkin, representing his optimistic outlook that in life, sometimes you’re still a silly monkey who misses the ball, but there are still seventeen more holes to play.
Newbury College is proactive about integrating AI responsibly into teaching and learning. The College's AI position focuses on enhancing creativity, supporting personalised learning, and preparing students for the evolving digital landscape. By embedding AI across various programmes, the College aims to enrich the educational experience while ensuring ethical and effective use of technology.
Student, Meg Hooper, commented:
"We all enjoyed the art project, completing a little assessment and then seeing the joyful interpretation of this into an AI-generated ‘work of art’. We all felt a degree of ownership of our pictures, which inspired our written descriptions. The art exhibition itself was fun and challenged us to use our spoken Spanish to describe and discuss the images, sharing language and ideas with fellow students and visitors alike. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience once over my nerves and know that it pushed me to use spoken Spanish practically."
“Un paseo con pastel” (A ride with cake) was inspired by Intermediate student, Meg Hooper, representing her joyful enthusiasm and love of nature and cycling.
Newbury College offers a wide range of opportunities for adult learners, whether they are looking to boost their confidence, develop their skills, or change careers. These include free Study Online programmes, free digital skills, English, and maths courses, and nationally recognised professional qualifications supporting career progression.
Courses in modern languages such as Spanish and Italian allow learners to explore other cultures and expand their horizons, while vocational and professional pathways offer practical knowledge and industry-relevant training.
Lifelong learning enriches lives, opens doors, and provides new ways to grow personally and professionally. Whether you aim to build your CV, learn for pleasure, or achieve a long-held goal, Newbury College is here to help you take the next step.
To explore adult learning options at Newbury College, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/adults