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January 6, 2025 6 min read

Student using AI

Navigating AI in K-12 Schools: A Digital Citizenship Perspective

Industry:

EducationK12

Solution:

Artificial IntelligenceK12 EducationStaff TrainingStudent Training
Student using AI

Artificial Intelligence has exploded onto the K-12 education scene over the past few years. With it, we have seen a rise in discussions about how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly. AI can help teachers and staff streamline processes and be a helpful resource for students for assignments. However, AI is extremely complex, and it is important for administrators, staff, and students to understand how to use it appropriately and responsibly.

Vector Solutions partnered with Dr. Mike Ribble, a leading expert on digital citizenship and a Vector course author, for a webinar, Shaping AI Policies in Schools: Using Digital Citizenship as a Framework for K-12 Education, exploring the ethical and practical considerations of AI integration in education, and things to consider when developing policies around AI use.

AI and Digital Citizenship

Ribble suggests looking at AI through the lens of digital citizenship – including online safety, privacy, and responsible use. Teaching digital citizenship will provide foundational skills to help staff and students navigate the technology as it advances. Some things to consider:

  • Keeping Data Safe. AI “learns,” so once it is connected to a school’s system, it uses that information to do its job. Schools should understand what data AI tools have access to and what it is doing with that data. Ribble stresses the importance of having a “human in the middle.” Humans need to be in charge and set the parameters for AI tools so they can understand what AI is doing and what it’s collecting. It is important to have humans monitoring the AI tools to ensure they are being used appropriately.
  • Accuracy. Train staff and students how to write prompts that will generate the best and most accurate responses. Teach them how to vet the responses to weed out inaccuracies. Regarding AI, content shouldn’t be just copied and pasted because it is not always accurate.
  • Responsible Use. It’s important to train staff and students on how AI can be used and misused. For instance, many programs are using AI to generate everything from images to emails to videos. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish AI-generated text, voices, and images from real ones. It’s important for staff and students to be aware of how AI can be misused and how to ensure they are using it responsibly.

AI Policy Development for Staff

Currently 31 states have some sort of AI policies or guidelines for K-12 schools. Administrators can look at what their state provides when developing specific policies for their districts. Ribble highlighted two specific policies he created for staff at his school district to help ensure AI is being used responsibly.

1.) Responses generated from generative AI outputs must be reviewed by knowledgeable staff for accuracy, appropriateness, privacy, and security before being shared. AI-generated responses:

  • Should not be used verbatim
  • Should not be assumed to be truthful, creditable, or accurate
  • Should not be treated as the single source of reference
  • Should not be used to issue official statements such as policy, procedures, or regulations
  • Should not be solely relied upon for making final decisions
  • Should not be used to impersonate individuals or organizations
  • Should not be used to generate inappropriate or damaging text, emails, photos, videos, etc., of others

2.) Responses generated from generative AI outputs should be identified when using them for assignments or other school-related information.

Ribble also noted, for example, that AI can help create concise summaries of lengthy school or district publications being sent out. However, output should be reviewed, revised, and edited to ensure information accuracy. He also suggested adding a disclaimer when AI is used on websites/publications.

AI Policy Development for Students

When discussing AI policies for students, the conversations should focus on how to help students develop skills to use it effectively and ethically. Ribble suggests some examples of rules for students when using AI for a classroom project:

  • Verify the credibility of the AI tool you are using
  • Verify the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content. Use the AI’s output as a starting point, not as an end product
  • Be responsible about how you use AI-generated content. Use it as a resource for creating an answer to an assignment only when appropriate
  • Do not use generative AI to create content that could harm others or violate school rules or guidelines
  • Let teachers know when generative AI tools are used for assignments
  • Do not use protected information from the school district in creating generative AI responses

When used appropriately and responsibly, AI can be a valuable tool for both staff and students. Developing policies for responsible, ethical use and training administrators, staff, and students on how to use AI tools responsibly will help school districts use AI safely.

How Vector Can Help

Vector Solutions provides expert-authored online courses for staff and students on critical compliance and well-being topics, including AI and digital citizenship.

Staff Courses Include:

  • Digital Citizenship for Administrators
  • Digital Citizenship for Elementary Teachers
  • Digital Citizenship for Secondary Teachers
  • Artificial Intelligence for Educators – This course includes:
    • Introduction to AI
    • Foundations in AI
    • Integrating AI Use into Education
    • The Digital Citizenship Framework in an AI Context

Get more information about staff training or schedule a demo.

Student Courses Include:

Vector has a library of Student Safety & Wellness Courses which includes courses that can be helpful when navigating the world of AI. Courses include:

  • Digital Citizenship courses for grades 6-8
  • Digital Citizenship courses for grades 9-12

Get more information about student training or schedule a demo.

Vector’s courses are customizable and CASEL-aligned. They include facilitator guides, lesson plans, and assessments. They also include pre- and post-course surveys and reporting to help school districts measure the courses’ impact and gain insights about learners’ attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences. The courses are available in multiple languages.

About the Expert

Dr. Mike Ribble is the author of the books Digital Citizenship Handbook for School Leaders – Fostering Positive Interactions Online, Digital Citizenship in Schools – 3rd edition, and Raising a Digital Child. Digital Citizenship Handbook for School Leaders – Fostering Positive Interactions Online focuses on the need for increased knowledge of appropriate interaction with others through our digital experience.

Ribble has worked in the education field his entire career, from K-12 to the university level, providing him with a holistic perspective when working with educators. Ribble has spoken on the topic of digital citizenship to parents, teachers, and students both in the United States and internationally. He is interested in supporting the positive use of technology by all members of the community.

Learn More

Explore how Vector Solutions can enhance your staff and student training with expert-authored courses on AI, digital citizenship, and wellness. Schedule a demo today!

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