AI in Education
FPS Belief Statement
Artificial Intelligence in education is constantly changing, and, therefore, we need to remember that we are at the beginning of our journey in learning about AI in education. As we learn, our stakeholders--students, teachers, staff, administration--need to have guidelines to abide by as development, implementation, and interaction with AI technologies within our education system occur. These standards are to complement existing policies on technology use, data protection, academic integrity, and student support.
FAQs
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. It allows machines to mimic human-like thinking and decision-making processes.
Examples of AI in everyday life include virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, which respond to voice commands, and recommendation algorithms on streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube that suggest content based on user preferences. AI is also used in navigation apps for predicting traffic conditions and in spam filters that automatically identify and filter out unwanted emails.
What is generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, such as images, text, or even music, by learning patterns and styles from existing data. It works by generating novel outputs rather than relying on pre-existing examples, allowing it to be creative and produce unique content.
What are things to be careful with while using AI?
When using AI, it's important to be cautious about accuracy and biased outcomes as the technology learns from existing data, which may contain incorrect information and biases. Additionally, privacy concerns arise, so users should be mindful of the data being collected and how it's used to ensure responsible and ethical AI applications.
What about students using AI to cheat?
Please refer to the FPS Code of Character, Conduct, and Support. AI is a tool, but should not be used as a resource. It is important to help students find the right times and places to use AI.
Grade Level Implications
There is no avoiding AI; it has quickly become integrated into so many things we interact with daily. Because of this, there is a growing consensus that students need to be AI-literate by the time they enter the workforce. This creates issues for educators who need to balance the introduction of these technologies with the understanding of student’s cognitive development.
Below are some specific things to think about as you introduce these new technologies to varying grade levels.
Lower Elementary (K-2): These students need to understand that AI is not a real person. Kindergartners through 2nd graders are at a point in their brain development where they are more likely to attribute human qualities to artificially intelligent technologies like smart speakers and chatbots. They may even trust what an AI-powered device or tool is saying over the adults in their lives, like teachers. Be careful about using language that humanizes AI tools.
Upper Elementary (3-5): Trying and failing (or not succeeding) is another crucial part of learning. Technology, powered by AI, can be good at answering questions, but an overreliance on that kind of technology can short-circuit students’ development of problem-solving skills. As you introduce these technologies, don’t lose focus on developing problem-solving skills.
Middle School (6-8): You should build on students' developing critical and abstract thinking skills by having them critique AI outputs. Exercises in which students ask a generative AI chatbot to answer a question or write an essay and then critique it—looking for factual errors and the like—would be developmentally appropriate for this age group. You should also note any age-level restrictions on some AI products. Some tools are prohibited for children under age 13 or require parental/guardian permission.
High School (9-12): Rather than police AI use, teach students about how AI works and its limitations, including the effects of bias, stereotypes, and inaccuracies. Teach them a healthy skepticism. Teachers should be judicious about how many bright, new shiny AI tools they bring to the classroom, especially as more and more are developed every day.
Prothero, Arianna, "What is Age-Appropriate Use of AI? 4 Developmental Stages to Know About" 19 Feb 2024. https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-is-age-appropriate-use-of-ai-4-developmental-stages-to-know-about/2024/02
FPS Recommended AI Tools
Tool | Age Limits | Lesson Plans | Rubric Building | Image Generator | Text Leveler | Resource Generator | Assessment Generator | Translator | Unit Plan Creator | Tutoring | IEPs |
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Teacher Specific Content |
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Brisk Teaching | Teachers Only (moderated spaces for students) |
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School AI | Teachers Only (moderated spaces for students) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Magic School | Teachers Only (moderated spaces for students) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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Quizizz | Secondary District Subscription |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
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IEP Co-Pilot | Teachers Only |
X |
X |
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General AI Tools |
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Microsoft Co-Pilot | 18 and up |
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Google Gemini | 18 and up |
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X |
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Chat GPT | 13 and up (with parental permission) |
X |
X |
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Image Generator | |||||||||||
Canva | Students invited & moderated by Canva for Education User |
X |
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Microsoft Designer | 18 and up (use personal email) |
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X |
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