Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to advanced computer systems designed to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human thinking. These tasks include understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.

AI is becoming increasingly common in our daily lives. Here are some examples you might be familiar with:

• Google Translate: Helps translate text between different languages.
• Netflix Recommendations: Suggests shows and movies based on your viewing habits.

Machine Learning (ML)

Machine Learning is a subset of AI that focuses on teaching computers to learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed. 

Here are some examples you might be familiar with:

• Spam email filtering, recommendation systems (like those used by Amazon or Netflix), and predictive text on your smartphone.

Deep Learning (DL)

Deep Learning is a specialized subset of Machine Learning that uses neural networks to analyze various factors of data. It’s particularly powerful for tasks that involve large amounts of unstructured data, such as images, audio, and text. 

Here are some examples you might be familiar with:

• Image and speech recognition, natural language processing (like chatbots), and autonomous driving technology.

Generative AI 

Is a subset of AI that can learn patterns and relationships and use that information to create new content, such as text, images, music, audio, and videos. This field of AI has grown rapidly over the past few years and continues to evolve. ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Gemini are examples of generative AI tools.

This information has been pulled from Administrative Procedure 140: Technology - Responsible Use and Security (section 10). 

"The purpose of [this Appendix] is to provide guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence within the Avon Maitland District School Board. Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a significant advancement in educational tools. AI is designed to augment, not replace, the human element in teaching. Embracing this technology is a step towards fostering a culture of innovation and preparing students for a future integrated with AI. Blocking or banning AI tools is rarely effective or productive and creates a fundamental misconception. It is not a website but an underlying technology that is already built into millions of websites and applications.

“In responding to long-standing educational issues, it is key to uphold the idea that human capacity and collective action, and not technology, is the determining factor in effective solutions to fundamental challenges faced by societies” (UNESCO website: Guidance for generative AI in education and research, page 7).

All staff intending to use Artificial Intelligence systems and tools must review the following considerations:

• AI may be used to support and enhance staff and student work, learning, creativity, and research. The content created using AI should not replace the teacher's professional judgement or responsibility over core instructional duties.

When using Artificial Intelligence systems and tools:

• Staff must comply with board policies/procedures on acceptable use of technology.
• Before use, staff will consult Avon Maitland District School Board’s approved digital tools list in addition to the privacy policy.
• Be vigilant of what is shared with the tool. Limit the amount of data shared, keep it general, and exclude identifiable information (e.g. names, addresses, birthdays, class lists, marks, demographics, information, and data that is not accessible to the public).
• Do not use any personal or private information relating to staff, students, and/or families as part of the prompts entered into the tool.
• Do not use any confidential or sensitive board data, information, or content as part of the prompts entered into the tool.
• Understand the limitations and risks which include fact-checking, bias, hallucinations (inaccurate predictions), copyright, bullying/harassment, and data collection timelines.
• Consider the implications of incorporating AI into assessment and evaluation strategies. Educators should focus on the triangulation of data and emphasize the learning process over the final product. Consider the following:
• Use AI systems and tools to enhance learning outcomes.
• Clarify the extent students can use AI in the assessment and in what ways.
• Ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly by students.
• Use AI systems and tools to encourage student engagement and motivation.
• Identify the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies that the assessment aims to measure. How will the use of AI align with the intended learning outcomes?
• Use AI-generated data in conjunction with other forms of assessment (e.g., observations, student work, peer reviews) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of student learning.
• Ensure the confidentiality of student data is maintained when using AI systems or tools.
• Use AI in assessments to ensure equitable access and opportunities for all students.
• Ensure clear and transparent communication with all relevant parties regarding the use of AI by providing detailed information about the AI tool's purpose, functionality, and data usage policies.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to be transparent and ethical in their academic pursuits by providing workshops on academic integrity, teaching proper research and citation techniques, and incorporating digital citizenship education into the curriculum. Refer to AP 377 (Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting) for further information on Academic Honesty.
• Before using an AI system or tool, review best-use practices and resources:
• Familiarize yourself with the AI system or tool’s limitations, capabilities, and data privacy implications;
• Model how to use AI systems and tools in the classroom;
• Communicate clear guidelines for how and when an AI tool can be used;
• Incorporate lessons on digital literacy that include understanding AI, its benefits, and its limitations;
• Ensure that AI systems tools are used to enhance student learning experiences rather than replace teacher-student interactions;
• Regularly monitor the effectiveness of the AI system or tool on student learning; and
• Ensure that the AI tool is accessible to all students, providing accommodations as necessary.

Microsoft Co-pilot

Google Gemini

ECNO AI 9-12 Students

ECNO AI K-8 Students

Microsoft Co-pilot Library

AI for Education 

AI Prompting 

Hatch Works AI

Integrail