I have never been in the habit of using Siri to find stuff on my phone. I have deliberately and consciously never switched it on as I'm not comfortable in my phone constantly listening in on my everyday intrerractions. Very rarely will I use the Google Nest Mini sitting on the kitchen bench to get further information on, for example, a question that I have just seen on The Chase. I have read a few articles on the threat of how AI will make us lazy, 'take over our jobs' or will take over the way in which we 'Google' for information.
Please don't get me wrong, I am far from being a luddite when it comes to learning about and using technology. It sounds like I am a walking contradiction, but for now, I just want the ability use AI under my own terms. I’m very happy to ‘do it myself’ when it comes to using any device. I'm a 'use it, or lose it' person. I trust my command of spelling and grammar and I want that skill to remain with me for as long as I can do so.
So, naturally, I find the slow creep of AI in our everyday lives via our social media apps a little bit annoying. I recently came across this article. "Mr Smith or Gary? Why some teachers ask students to call them by their first name" online. Whilst I was attempting to post this link to my Facebook profile via my phone, I accidentally hit one of the Meta AI buttons and was slightly confused as to why my words were suddenly very different to what I had just written. As I never use these tools normally, I had to find my way back to my original words as I really didn’t want to rewrite it. Once I did, I got curious. I wanted to try out the different styles, just to see if I would be happy with Meta’s version of me. None of these versions reflect the way I would choose to describe myself in any guise.
So, I’m happy to post these versions here for amusement only. Here goes…
Original:
One of the things I love about my current school is that I was given the choice on what I wanted the students to call me. I opted for Malcolm, as that is what the kids used to call me when I worked at The Mind Lab ten years ago. The kids also call me Matua Malcolm. But I would say, it is increasingly popular for the kids to just call me Mr Malcolm, which is their natural choice and which I think is really cute. I don't want to go back to the formality of being called Mr Clarke and having to wear a shirt and tie anymore...
Professional:
One of the aspects I appreciate about my current school is that I was afforded the opportunity to choose how I wanted students to address me. I opted for Malcolm, as that was the name students used when I worked at The Mind Lab ten years ago. Students also refer to me as Matua Malcolm. However, I notice that it is becoming increasingly popular for them to simply call me Mr Malcolm, which is their natural preference and one that I find endearing. I do not wish to revert to the formality of being addressed as Mr Clarke and adhering to a dress code that includes wearing a shirt and tie.
Inspirational:
One of the things I appreciate about my current school is that I was empowered to choose how students address me. I opted for Malcolm, a name that holds fond memories from my time at The Mind Lab. The kids also affectionately call me Matua Malcolm, and increasingly, Mr Malcolm, which I find endearing. I'm eager to maintain this positive dynamic and not revert to the formality of Mr Clarke, which would require a more traditional attire.
Heartfelt:
One of the things that truly inspires me about my current school is that I was empowered to choose what I wanted the students to call me. I chose Malcolm, as that is what the kids used to call me when I worked at The Mind Lab ten years ago. The kids also call me Matua Malcolm. But I would say, it is increasingly popular for the kids to just call me Mr Malcolm, which is their natural choice and which I think is really uplifting. I don't want to go back to the formality of being called Mr Clarke and having to wear a shirt and tie anymore, as I thrive in an environment where I can be my authentic self.
Funny:
One of the things I love about my current school is that I got to choose my own superhero name, and I went with Malcolm, which the kiddos used to call me back in my Mind Lab days. These days, they also call me Matua Malcolm, but let's be real, Mr Malcolm is where it's at, and I'm totally here for it. I mean, who needs formality, right? I'm so over being called Mr Clarke and having to rock a shirt and tie – no thanks
Short:
I prefer being called Malcolm or Mr Malcolm by my students, rather than the more formal Mr Clarke, which I used to be called.
Posted: Monday 30 June 2025