Chroniques Alternatives – AI-Powered Alternative History Contest
General information
Organisation / School
Canva in partnership with 16 participating schools
Duration
Several weeks during the academic year (typically 4–6 weeks).
Target group (age range)
Students aged 11–18 (grades 6 to Terminale)
Group format
Context of the Practice
Educational context: Secondary school students participate in a creative competition using AI tools to generate alternative historical narratives and images. The contest encourages exploration of historical scenarios and engagement with digital technologies in learning.
Group format (individual / group / class): Individual participation with optional class support.
Description of the Practice
The Chroniques Alternatives contest invites students to create alternative historical scenarios using Canva’s AI tools, particularly the Magic Media generator. Students imagine historical “what if” situations—such as “What if the Roman Empire had invented the steam engine?” or “What if the Aztecs had discovered Europe?”—and translate these ideas into AI-generated images. Over 1000 students from 16 schools participated in the first edition, enhancing their engagement with history and digital media. The contest combines creativity, historical reasoning, and technology, allowing learners to visualize and communicate complex ideas. Students are guided in using AI ethically and responsibly, with a focus on respecting GDPR and safe digital practices.
Link with Uchronia or Alternative Narratives
Does the practice involve rewriting history, alternative scenarios, role play, or speculative narratives?
Yes
Explanation:
Students actively engage in rewriting historical events by imagining alternative outcomes. Using AI, they visualize and explore speculative scenarios, linking creative expression with historical inquiry and critical reflection.
Social and Transversal Skills Developed
What are the skills developped?
Empathy: Yes
Communication: Yes
Cooperation: Yes (if supported in class groups)
Conflict management: No
Critical thinking: Yes
Media literacy: Yes
Creativity: Yes
Explanation:
The practice develops creativity through AI image generation, critical thinking via historical speculation, media literacy through AI tool usage, and empathy by considering multiple perspectives in history. Communication and cooperation are fostered when students discuss ideas or collaborate within class contexts.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Targeted learners (learning difficulties, diversity, disengagement):
The contest is broadly open to all students; AI tools allow students with diverse skills to participate and express ideas visually, supporting engagement for learners who may struggle with traditional writing-based tasks.
Accessibility measures used:
Canva’s digital platform is widely accessible, with user-friendly interfaces and AI support, and complies with GDPR and safe usage standards.
Impact and Outcomes
Observed impact on pupils:
Increased engagement with history, improved creativity and digital skills, enhanced understanding of alternative historical perspectives.
Feedback from teachers or pupils:
Positive reception reported, with students enjoying the integration of AI and history, and teachers highlighting the potential to stimulate historical reasoning and imagination.
Transferability
Can the practice be reused or adapted?
Yes
Conditions for replication:
Requires access to Canva and AI tools, teacher guidance on historical context, and clear ethical and safe use instructions. Can be adapted for individual or class-based activities, and for different age groups.
Relevance for Reframe the Story
This practice aligns perfectly with Reframe the Story’s goals by combining historical inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy. It provides a tested example of how alternative narratives and uchronia can engage students in learning history through interactive, multimodal approaches.