Key Takeaways:
- District 87 schools, including Bloomington Junior High School, have implemented a policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the classroom.
- The policy allows students to use AI for help in school, but prohibits its use as a substitute for original thought and creativity.
- Teachers are using AI content detectors to check for AI use or plagiarism, and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may have additional authorization to use AI as an aid.
- The district has purchased MagicSchool AI, a more heavily-regulated and limited alternative to AI staples like ChatGPT or Gemini, to provide a safe and controlled environment for students to use AI.
- Teachers are working to implement clear guidelines and parameters for AI use in the classroom, and students are learning about the ethical use of AI and how to spot incorrect information.
Introduction to AI Policy
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in schools has been a topic of discussion for several years, and District 87 has finally implemented a policy on its use in the classroom. The policy, which was formed by a task force, allows students to use AI for help in school, but prohibits its use as a substitute for original thought and creativity. The policy also allows for school staff to use AI content detectors to check for AI use or plagiarism, and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may have additional authorization to use AI as an aid.
Forming Policy
The policy was formed by a task force that consisted of teachers and administrators from District 87 schools. The task force discussed various ways to approach AI in the classroom, including implementing it in a controlled environment and exploring whether an outright ban was warranted. Crystal South-Law, an eighth-grade social studies teacher, was a member of the task force and also took classes over the summer to learn more about AI technology and how it can be implemented in a classroom. South-Law believes that students would graduate at a disadvantage in the workforce without some experience with AI, and that it is essential to teach them how to be AI-responsible.
Use in the Classroom
The use of AI in the classroom has completely changed technology classes at Bloomington Junior High School. Teachers are using AI to help students with assignments, such as graphic design, and to teach them about the ethical use of AI. Jeff Platt, a technology teacher, uses MagicSchool AI, a more heavily-regulated and limited alternative to AI staples like ChatGPT or Gemini, to create classroom settings that are purposeful for students to use. Platt’s students can use AI in graphic design assignments, allowing them to focus more on the design itself rather than taking up too much class time on research.
Implementing Guidelines
Teachers are working to implement clear guidelines and parameters for AI use in the classroom. South-Law plans to include symbols on lessons and slideshows to note how much or little AI is allowed to be used for a given task. She also prefers the eye test over AI detection sites like GPTZero, as she believes that AI detectors can be biased and may label authentic work as inauthentic. Students who wish not to use AI for assignments will be allowed to do so, and teachers will provide alternative methods for research and learning.
Teaching AI Responsibility
Teachers are also working to teach students about the ethical use of AI and how to spot incorrect information. Platt believes that it is essential to teach students about the safeguards that need to be in place when using AI, and how to critically evaluate the information provided by AI. He uses AI image generation from the online platform Canva to teach students about how to spot AI-generated content and how to use AI responsibly. By teaching students about AI responsibility, teachers hope to prepare them for a future where AI is increasingly prevalent in the workforce.
Conclusion
The implementation of AI policy in District 87 schools is a significant step towards preparing students for a future where AI is increasingly prevalent. By providing a safe and controlled environment for students to use AI, teachers can help students learn about the ethical use of AI and how to critically evaluate the information provided by AI. As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for schools to stay ahead of the curve and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
