Navigating AI in Schools: Managing Risks and Maximizing Benefits

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, but with great power comes great responsibility. As reports of classroom cheating with AI continue to rise, educators and schools must take proactive steps to manage the risks associated with this technology.

One way to mitigate these risks is to co-develop policies and practices around AI. By collaborating with all stakeholders to create ethical guidelines and practices, schools can promote responsible AI use and ensure that values of the school community are reflected. This includes providing training and awareness programs, ensuring data privacy and security, and continuously reviewing and adapting policies.

Another important step is to co-create norms around the ethical use of AI. Engaging students in the development of norms and guidelines for AI not only increases compliance but also helps students construct their own understanding of when and why AI tools should be used. By discussing specific scenarios and fostering independent student application of ethical principles, schools can empower students to make informed decisions about AI use.

When selecting AI tools for use in schools, it is crucial to choose carefully. Tools like Stretch, a chatbot created by ISTE and ASCD, are designed specifically for educational use and are trained on high-quality, curated materials. By prioritizing tools that have been vetted for appropriateness and accuracy, schools can ensure that AI outputs are of the highest quality.

Balancing AI-powered assessments with analog ones is another important strategy for managing the risks of AI in schools. By prioritizing comprehensive evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge through handwritten assessments and verbal reports, schools can ensure that students’ abilities are accurately reflected without artificial assistance.

Implementing AI detection services can also help mitigate instances of academic dishonesty. However, it is important to recognize that these technologies may generate false positives and false negatives. Schools must be vigilant in monitoring and interpreting the results of AI detection services to ensure accurate identification of cheating.

Finally, assigning authentic projects that encourage the appropriate use of AI can help students develop a deeper understanding of the technology. By incorporating AI tools into real-world projects that address community issues, teachers can guide students in using AI responsibly and ethically.

Interested in learning more about navigating AI in schools? Get the complete free admin guide from VAI Education for more insights on understanding AI, potential drawbacks, how AI can help teachers, and more.