In the changing world, AI has taken a huge step forward in influencing businesses, government and the education system. Now, with the introduction of the SCASD AI Guidelines, State High has an official baseline for the proper usage and management of these AI tools.
These regulations, released by State High’s IT Department on Feb. 24, have been established to aid the community in the appropriate use of generative AI, both in and out of the classroom, and to address the benefits and potential risks that come with its use.
“It’s important that the guidelines have been published because it gives all the teachers, students, staff, and parents access to AI expectations in the State High community,” sophomore Gage Ricker said.
IT established the basic principles to guide the school through this new situation. The guidelines make it clear that while AI will be used to enhance the learning experience, it will also be evaluated for bias or inaccuracies. It will be analyzed and checked before use to protect students’ and staff’s personal information. School community members will be educated on the proper and safe use of AI tools to minimize potential harmful consequences.
Overall, the school district seeks to reap the widespread benefits of AI use while remaining cautious of its dangers.
The implementation of these new programs provides many advantages for the school learning environment and will be available to all people in the State High community. Many advocate that AI can spark student creativity in unique projects like writing, visual arts and music, as well as provide research support for specific topics. That information can then be transformed into study materials, review and learning instructions to help students improve their understanding.
Teachers and administrators also find AI tools useful in the classroom and beyond. It can give instructors and students feedback on their learning strategies and understanding. Additionally, difficult administration operations like progress reports and course scheduling can be conducted through these efficient systems.
However, while AI provides many ways to better manage education at State High, it also comes with some drawbacks. IT has put forward safeguards that should protect against any potential harm that may result from utilizing these tools.
Sometimes, generative AI can be inaccurate or biased, which is why State High will be putting in place programs that will flag and hopefully eliminate any problematic information. Constant monitoring will also be used to limit any plagiarism and cheating that may occur in projects as a result of AI use.
Additionally, while AI tools will be allowed to an extent, their use will be limited. While they can be used to help strengthen understanding of material, they will not be used to undermine or replace actual teachers, allowing the education system to remain fully effective.
“I think AI is important to regulate because the whole point of school is to evaluate students’ education and how far they’ve grown and learned. And of course, by using too much AI, you’re not going to be able to motivate and rely on that,” sophomore DECA member Nathan Babinski said.
Finally, all tools will be checked and regulated at all times to prevent the compromise of student and staff information and privacy. Although it’s unlikely this would happen, the school hopes to emphasize student and staff safety first through the foundation of these guidelines.
“The guidelines will help us prepare for the future. Having students learn how to use AI correctly and responsibly will be very beneficial in the long run,” sophomore Regan Houseknecht said.
AI seems to be becoming more and more prevalent in the large and diverse world. Through the publication of these AI guidelines, State High administrators hope to adapt to our changing society and prepare for how AI tools may impact students in the future.
