Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence using computer systems to analyze data and identify patterns. In education, AI personalizes learning, automates tasks, and provides feedback. Understanding AI is crucial for learners as it prepares them for future careers, enhances learning, fosters critical thinking, and promotes digital literacy. By learning about AI, students also gain awareness of its ethical implications, equipping them to responsibly navigate a tech-driven world.

TEACHERS: 

Teachers can utilize AI to provide learners with a more personalized learning experience. As experts in their field, they carefully choose AI tools to support learners. Examples could include helping learners with basic coding or research skills, providing assistive technology or adaptation for learners who need it, or creating helpful graphics, exemplars, and lesson resources. Ultimately, teachers use AI to enhance the educational experience for their learners by introducing them to technology that can help them navigate education and career tasks. 

LEARNERS:

AI can empower students by providing personalized learning experiences tailored to their needs and learning styles. Through AI tools, learners can receive immediate feedback on their work, access additional resources to deepen their understanding of complex concepts, or work collaboratively in virtual environments. When used ethically and responsibly, AI can help learners develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to analyze data, solve problems, and think creatively. It can also support learners in setting learning goals, tracking their progress, and receiving guidance on areas where they may need improvement.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education presents innovative opportunities to enhance learning and develop critical thinking skills. To ensure responsible and ethical use of AI in learner assignments, the following guidelines have been established. Classroom teachers will implement and oversee these guidelines, tailoring them to the appropriateness of each individual assignment. 

General Principles:

Educational Enhancement:

• AI tools should be used to support and enhance educational objectives, not to replace student effort or learning.
• Teachers will determine when and how AI tools can be used in their classroom assignments.

Ethical Use:

• Learners must use AI tools in a manner that aligns with ethical standards and academic integrity.
• Misuse of AI tools, including plagiarism and dishonesty, is strictly prohibited.

Transparency:

• Learners must clearly indicate when and how AI tools were used in their work.
• Proper citation of AI tools is required in all assignments.

Privacy and Security:

• Learners must respect privacy and data security when using AI tools.
• Personally identifiable information (name, address, phone number, birthdate, student ID number, etc.)  must never be shared with AI tools.

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Teacher's Role:

Assignment-Specific Guidelines:

• Teachers will provide specific instructions on the use of AI for each assignment to ensure alignment with learning intentions.
• Clear guidelines on the extent and manner of AI use should be clearly communicated and able to be referenced by learners and parents.

Support and Supervision:

• Teachers will offer support and supervision to ensure learners use AI tools appropriately.
• Learners are encouraged to seek guidance from their teachers if they are unsure about the correct use of AI.

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Learner  Responsibilities:

Adherence to Guidelines:

• Learners must follow the guidelines provided by their teachers for each assignment.
• Proper citation and acknowledgment of AI assistance are required.

Critical Evaluation:

• Learners should critically evaluate AI-generated content and verify its accuracy and relevance.
• AI tools should be used to enhance understanding and learning, not to substitute it.

MagicSchool.ai
MagicSchool AI is available for staff all learners K-12. It offers over 60 AI-powered tools that enhance learning through access, engagement, and creativity. MagicSchool provides a safe, FERPA and COPPA compliant environment for students to interact with AI, receive on-demand support, and engage with digital tutoring. Teachers control the access and use of these tools, ensuring student privacy and safety, with no student information used to train AI models.

School AI:  
School AI is available for staff and all learners K-12. It is a safe and responsible (FERPA and COPPA compliant) tool that students can utilize to enhance their educational experience.  It offers structured, personalized learning experiences by tailoring content to individual needs, providing tutoring opportunities, and offering a variety of accessibility tools for students. 

Canva:
Canva for Education is available for staff and all learners K-12. This platform features generative AI tools that offer creative resources to enhance projects and presentations. Canva encourages innovation and design skills, enabling students to create unique visual content and graphics, thereby enriching their work and engaging in dynamic learning experiences.

LLMs:
Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI systems designed to understand and generate human-like text based on vast amounts of data. They can perform tasks such as answering questions, generating content, and providing recommendations. Examples of LLMs include ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude.

K-8: LLMs are restricted on district devices for elementary and middle school learners due to age restrictions in terms of service for these AI tools.

9-12: To ensure equitable access, the district has lifted restrictions on LLMs for high school learners using district-issued devices. This allows all high school learners to access these tools, whether on personal or district devices.
Student accounts for LLMs are not provided by the district.

Data Privacy and Security:
For all district-adopted resources, PCSD 25 secures data privacy agreements with vendors that comply with COPPA, FERPA, and Idaho Code 33-133.

Access for Students 13 and Under:
In accordance with COPPA regulations, many open AI platforms require parental consent for learners under 13 years old. Fortunately, the MagicSchool and Canva platforms are designed with strong data protection measures that align with Pocatello/Chubbucks strict data privacy agreement. This ensures that learners under 13 can safely use the platforms.

A Parent's Guide to AI (www.internetmatters.org)

AI Literacy: A Parent's Guide to Discussing AI (AI Literacy)

AI Initiative: Understanding the Impact of AI on Our Kids (Common Sense Media)