How to Start Building Out Your School’s AI Policy

As artificial intelligence technologies continue to advance, schools face the challenge of integrating these powerful tools into their educational systems. Developing a clear AI policy for schools is crucial to help students and staff understand when and how to use AI responsibly. This guide provides practical steps and examples to help your school craft a comprehensive AI policy.

Why Schools Need an AI Policy

An AI policy for schools is essential for guiding appropriate AI use, much like plagiarism policies guide the proper use of sourced material. A well-crafted AI policy helps schools address concerns such as academic integrity, data privacy, and responsible technology use while embracing AI’s potential benefits in the classroom. By setting clear guidelines, schools can foster an environment where AI tools enhance learning rather than hinder it.

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1. Define the Purpose and Scope of AI Use

The first step in creating the policy is to define the purpose and scope of AI use. Outline why your school is adopting AI and what educational goals you hope to achieve. Clearly state which AI tools will be permitted, who can use them, and in what contexts they can be used. This foundational step ensures that everyone—from students to staff—understands the intentions behind AI adoption and sets the stage for responsible use.

Example:

Purpose: To enhance learning, support teacher instruction, and streamline administrative tasks using AI technologies.
Scope: Applies to students, teachers, and staff using AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and MidJourney in classrooms, for assignments, and in school operations.

2. Establish Clear Guidelines for Acceptable Use

A critical component of a policy is setting clear guidelines on acceptable and prohibited uses of AI. Define specific scenarios where AI use is encouraged, such as brainstorming, refining research questions, or checking grammar. Equally important is to outline what is not allowed, such as using AI to write complete assignments or impersonate students in online discussions.

Examples of Acceptable Use:

Brainstorming and Idea Generation: Students can use AI to generate topic ideas or writing prompts for essays.
Research Support: AI can help students find relevant sources and synthesize information.
Grammar and Style Checking: AI tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT can refine written work for clarity and coherence.

Examples of Prohibited Use:

Assignment Completion: Students cannot use AI to write essays, complete homework, or answer exam questions without explicit permission.
Impersonation: Using AI to generate responses in discussions or assignments that impersonate one's own work is not allowed.

3. Address Academic Integrity and AI

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One of the main concerns with AI in education is maintaining academic integrity. Your policy should address how to handle AI-generated content and ensure that students understand the importance of honesty in their academic work. Outline how AI tools can be used responsibly without compromising the learning process.

Policy Points:

Citations and Acknowledgment: Students must acknowledge any AI-generated content used in their work, including citations formatted appropriately.
Transparency: Encourage students to be transparent about their AI use, explaining what tools they used and how they were applied.
Consequences: Clearly define the consequences of misusing AI tools, aligning them with existing academic integrity policies.

4. Promote Responsible AI Use

Your AI policy for schools should not only set rules but also promote responsible use. This includes educating students and staff about the potential risks associated with AI, such as data privacy concerns, misinformation, and inherent biases in AI outputs. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking when using AI and encourage users to verify AI-generated information with reliable sources.

Key Points:

Data Privacy: Caution students against sharing personal information with AI tools that do not have appropriate privacy protections.
Bias Awareness: Teach students about AI biases and the importance of cross-referencing AI-generated content with primary sources.
Critical Evaluation: Encourage users to critically assess AI outputs rather than accepting them at face value.

5. Include Reporting and Consequences

A comprehensive AI policy for schools should include a section on reporting misuse and the consequences of violating AI guidelines. Outline how students and staff can report any misuse of AI tools and what steps the school will take to address such issues. Make sure that your policy is aligned with existing disciplinary procedures to maintain consistency.

Examples:

Reporting Misuse: Encourage students and staff to report any misuse of AI tools, such as unauthorized use in assignments.
Consequences: Define the disciplinary actions for violating AI policies, ranging from redoing assignments to more severe penalties for repeated offenses.

6. Educate and Raise Awareness

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Implementing an AI policy for schools goes beyond just putting rules in place—it also involves educating the school community about AI’s benefits and challenges. Provide training sessions, workshops, and resources for both students and teachers to learn about AI technology, its appropriate uses, and potential pitfalls.

Implementation Tips:

Staff Training: Conduct regular professional development sessions on integrating AI responsibly in the classroom.
Student Workshops: Offer workshops for students on how to use AI tools effectively and ethically.
Parent Communication: Inform parents about the school’s AI policy and encourage them to discuss AI use with their children.

Final Thoughts

Developing a robust policy is an essential step in navigating the evolving landscape of educational technology. By clearly defining acceptable use, promoting academic integrity, and providing ongoing education, schools can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. Start building your school’s AI policy today to create a safe and productive learning environment for all.

Contact us at await.ai to learn how our AI solution, Await Cortex can help you fulfill your AI policy requirements by safeguarding your school's use of AI and ensuring a secure, compliant learning environment.

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