Chinook’s Edge School Division is developing artificial intelligence guidelines to help students and staff appropriately use the revolutionizing technology.
“AI has the potential to be transformational, very similar to how the calculator, and then the graphing calculator, transformed the way that mathematic education happened in classrooms,” said Jason Drent, associate superintendent of learning services with the Central Alberta jurisdiction.
Chinook’s Edge anticipates having an AI policy ready in the spring to implement in the fall.
He said students are already being encouraged to explore AI, which can assist newcomers to Canada who are learning English to translate information, make scholarly reports accessible by converting it to the student’s reading level, and more.
“It’s almost like your own mini tutor. It’s an exciting opportunity to provide that really deeper support for students.”
Related:
He said the division isn’t overly concerned about students using AI to cheat because teachers get to know the reading and writing level of their students, and there are more student assessments being done in class.
“Our students have varied maturity levels as they’re going through school, so we work with that, but I’m excited for the potential. It’s an amazing tool.”
He said from a teaching perspective, AI can help with planning and classroom techniques.
For anyone who has never used AI, Drent said they should really try it, and recommended getting a free account with ChatGPT.
“It is fascinating to have that personal experience. Try it out. It is pretty powerful and it’s very individualized because you use it as you see fit. It simply is an open source.”
Related:
Red Deer Public Schools said it does not currently have a policy specific to artificial intelligence.
“We have administrative procedures in place, as well as a Digital Literacy and Citizenship page on the division’s website, which encompasses areas of creativity, collaboration, citizenship and critical thinking by teaching students responsible technology use. However, as AI technology evolves, Red Deer Public could explore a specific policy in the future,” the division said in a statement.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools said it believes strongly that technology is an extremely important educational tool, and currently has administrative procedures related to acceptable use of technology.
“With the emergence of AI we are evaluating the current educational research to continue to ensure our policies and practices reflect this groundbreaking development and help continue to position our students with the skills they will require in the modern technological landscape,” said the Catholic division.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter