This free and interactive resource is designed to inform and empower K-12 education into the next generation of learning through artificial intelligence (AI).
THE AI TOOLKIT for K-12 Education
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Introduction
Understanding AI
AI Meets K-12
AI Policies & Procedures
AI Safety & Security
AI Ethics & Equity
AI Resource Library
Glossary
What’s New?
Feedback
INTRODUCTION
On behalf of the Missouri School Boards' Association, I am thrilled to welcome you to our AI Toolkit for K-12 Education! This comprehensive resource is designed to empower school boards, administrators, educators, and parents to explore the exciting possibilities and potential challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial that we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. AI presents a unique opportunity to personalize learning experiences, enhance critical thinking skills, and prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. At the same time, we must ensure policies and procedures are in place regarding AI usage, and that the safety of our schools and students remains top priority. MSBA recognizes the potential challenges that come with integrating new technologies. This toolkit is here to empower you to make informed decisions about incorporating AI into your schools and is designed to be ever-evolving as AI continues to expand. We encourage you to explore the resources, share your experiences with colleagues, and join us in shaping the future of education in Missouri and beyond.
Sincerely,
Melissa Randol, Executive Director Missouri School Boards' Association
UNDERSTANDING AI
What is AI, anyway?
In simple terms, artificial intelligence (AI) is making machines smart enough to do tasks that only people used to do well. This includes things like solving problems, making decisions, and learning from experience.
While there have been major advances in recent years, AI is not a new concept. In fact, the first AI chatbot (named Eliza) made its debut in 1966. It was designed to be a virtual therapist.
Is this science fiction come to life?
Not quite. While AI is the term our society has chosen to describe this technology, it is not the “robots taking over the world” that authors warned us of. No machine exists today that can make decisions and create things without some type of human involvement. These machines must be trained by humans with knowledge, skills, and judgement. Therefore, the term “artificial intelligence” is not entirely accurate. A more accurate term is “machine intelligence. ”
How is AI used in everyday life?
You may not realize it, but you interact with AI on a regular basis. Here are some common ways we use AI to make our lives easier in the 21st century:
Social media platforms use AI programs to determine what content to show users based on their scrolling history.
Virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri use AI to interact with humans and complete their requests.
GPS programs use AI to determine the best directions to provide drivers based on conditions like traffic, construction, and weather.
Chatbots on websites use AI to answer user questions and provide information based on their questions.
Predictive text programs use AI to guess what a person will type next based on their previous writing.
Is AI a good or bad thing?
AI is neither good nor bad; it’s morally neutral. AI is simply a tool that can be used in a variety of ways. How tools are used is determined by the humans who operate them. AI is no different. For example, take hammers. They can be used by humans to do good things, like build birdhouses. But they can also be used by humans to do bad things, like break into vehicles. AI is the same way: humans determine whether how it’s used is good or bad.
What is Generative AI?
Popular Generative AI Chatbots
While AI has been around for a long time, generative AI is a fairly new innovation. Generative AI are tools capable of creating original text, images, video, audio, etc. Humans simply tell the program what they want it to create, and in seconds the machine provides it. You’ve likely heard of or used some of the popular generative AI programs. Most of them are free or low-cost, and simple for the average person to operate. No advanced technical skills are needed.
Chat GPT
Claude
Google’s Gemini
Meta AI
Microsoft’s Copilot
Perplexity
Is AI always correct?
No. AI programs are only as good as the information they are provided by humans. AI programs may provide users with incorrect information, so it’s always good to double-check what they tell you. Some AI programs like Chat GPT are known to “hallucinate . ” This means they make up information that is simply not true. For example, you could ask it to identify the typical color of grass, and it would respond that grass is purple.
Is AI biased?
Yes. Despite the best efforts to keep most AI tools unbiased, it is virtually impossible to prevent bias. This is because the responses provided by tools like Chat GPT are based on the information they were provided, and the feedback they get to shape their understanding – both of which are provided by humans. When using AI programs, always beware of biases in the responses.
Open vs. Closed AI – What’s the difference?
Open AI tools (like Chat GPT) can be used by anyone and the information they provide is available to the public. Open AI tools tend to have larger capabilities and knowledge to draw on. However, you must be careful what information you put into them (see below). Closed AI tools are private. Only members of a certain group (like a business, school district, or government entity) can access and use them. The functions of closed AI tools tend to be more specialized to meet the needs of their audience. Sharing data in a closed AI tool is much more secure, though information leaks are still possible through data compromises - like malware and hacking.
Like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube, you cannot get data back once you input it into an Open AI tool. If you’re not sure whether something is safe to share with Open AI, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
When it doubt…leave it out!
Watch: A Brief Introduction to AI
In this video, MSBA’s Director of Digital Initiatives Mark Henderson provides a crash-course in understanding AI.
Let’s see what you’ve learned about AI:
Launch the Understanding AI Quiz!
AI MEETS K-12
AI is shaking up just about every area of modern life, and the education world is not immune. The use of AI tools in K-12 schools provides numerous opportunities and challenges for every stakeholder group. In this section, we’ll consider the impacts on each.
Students
Schools
AI
Parents
Teachers
Admin. & Staff
Board of Education
AI and Schools (as a whole)
OPPORTUNITIES
Maintenance and Operations AI can predict maintenance needs for school facilities and equipment, which can reduce downtime and ensure a safe environment.
Resource Allocation AI can help in efficiently allocating resources like classroom space, lab equipment, and library materials based on usage patterns and demand forecasts.
Energy Management AI can optimize energy usage within school buildings by analyzing patterns and adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting systems accordingly.
Nutrition AI can determine menus and food supply orders based on student body, nutrition, budget, dietary restrictions, and more.
Transportation AI can determine the best bus routes to save time, use less fuel, and avoid traffic.
CHALLENGES
Dependence on Data Quality The effectiveness of AI tools depends on the quality and accuracy of the data they’re given. Poor data quality can lead to poor outcomes.
Algorithmic Bias AI algorithms can become biased from the data they are trained on, which may lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes.
Technical Failures AI tools can experience technical glitches or failures, which could disrupt services and cause delays or safety issues.
Cost and Resources Implementing AI tools may require big investments in technology, training, and maintenance. Schools with limited budgets might struggle to afford these resources.
AI and Students
OPPORTUNITIES
Personalized Learning AI can adapt educational content for individual learning styles, paces, and levels that address each student's strengths and weaknesses.
Special Education AI can offer customized support for students with special needs - like speech recognition, predictive text, or voice-to-text tools.
English Language Learners AI-powered translation and language learning tools can help students who are non-native speakers better understand the curriculum and improve language skills.
24/7 Tutoring AI can provide around-the-clock academic support, answering questions, explaining concepts, and offering additional practice materials.
Mental Health & Wellbeing AI can help identify early signs of stress, anxiety, and depression by analyzing patterns in student behavior and engagement.
CHALLENGES
Over-Reliance on Technology Some students may become overly dependent on AI tools for learning and problem-solving, which could reduce their ability to think critically and independently.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns AI systems often require access to personal data, such as student performance metrics and behavioral patterns, raising concerns about data privacy and security.
Dehumanization of Education While AI tutors can be helpful, they can't replace the value of human interaction in the classroom. Social development and communication skills are important too, and AI can't provide those.
Misuse for Cheating AI tools capable of generating text or answering questions could be misused by students to cheat on assignments or tests. Students must be taught how and when to use AI appropriately.
AI and Teachers
OPPORTUNITIES
Automated Tasks AI can automate tasks like grading, attendance tracking, and writing communication to parents - freeing up time for more important tasks. Lesson Planning AI can help teachers generate lessons, activities, and assignments based on specific learning objectives and student needs. Data-Driven Instruction AI can analyze student performance data to identify areas where the class is struggling or excelling. Teachers can adjust their approach and focus on the students who need extra help. Classroom Management AI-powered classroom management tools can help teachers track student engagement, identify disruptive behavior patterns, and provide real-time feedback on classroom dynamics. Professional Development (PD) AI can personalize PD opportunities for teachers by recommending resources based on their individual needs and interests.
CHALLENGES
Technical Barriers Integrating AI into the classroom requires training for teachers – which can take time, money, and resources.
Security Concerns A lack of understanding about data security can make teachers vulnerable to data breaches or misuse of student data collected by AI tools.
"Black Box" Problem It can be difficult to understand how AI systems create the information they provide. This could make it challenging for teachers to evaluate the validity of AI suggestions.
Resistance to Change Educators who are accustomed to traditional teaching methods may be reluctant to adopt new approaches.
AI and the Board of Education
OPPORTUNITIES
Strategic Planning AI can analyze historical data on student performance, enrollment trends, teacher staffing needs, and more. This allows boards to make data-driven decisions. Budget Management AI can analyze spending patterns and predict future budget needs. This allows boards to make informed financial decisions. Stakeholder Surveys AI can streamline the survey process by generating questions, writing stakeholder communications, and analyzing results to help boards gain maximum insights from surveys.
Multilingual Communication AI translation tools can help boards communicate effectively with those in their communities from diverse backgrounds.
Superintendent Evaluation AI can help set clear, measurable goals for the superintendent, then track progress toward those goals throughout the year.
CHALLENGES
Data Privacy and Security Boards need to have strong data security measures in place to protect student privacy and comply with data privacy regulations.
Bias and Fairness Boards need to be aware of potential AI algorithmic bias and take steps to reduce it, like using diverse datasets and carefully evaluating AI recommendations.
Transparency Boards should disclose to stakeholders when AI is used for decision making and provide justification for its usage. Ultimately, stakeholders need to know that humans made the final decision.
Equity and Access Not all districts have equal access to modern and high-quality technology. Boards must consider how the use of AI might make existing educational inequalities worse.
AI and Administrators & Staff
OPPORTUNITIES
Enhanced Communication AI chatbots can handle common inquiries from parents, students, and staff – and provide immediate responses.
Scheduling AI can help with schedules for students, teachers, lunch shifts, facilities, and more – a major time savor for administrators.
Recruitment and Hiring AI can streamline the hiring process by screening resumes, assessing candidate qualifications, and even conducting initial interviews through chatbots.
Financial Management AI can assist in financial planning by analyzing past expense patterns and predicting future financial needs - helping administrators make informed budgeting decisions. Security and Safety AI surveillance systems can enhance school security by monitoring for unusual activities and alerting administrators to potential threats.
CHALLENGES
Infrastructure Requirements Implementing AI solutions may require upgrades to existing IT infrastructure - including hardware, software, and network capabilities.
Change Management Introducing AI may require big changes in workflows and processes, which can be met with resistance from staff who are used to more traditional methods.
Data Quality and Integration Ensuring data is accurate, complete, and integrated from various sources can be difficult. Poor data can lead to unreliable AI insights.
Transparency and Accountability Understanding how AI systems make decisions can be challenging. This can raise concerns about transparency and accountability in educational decision-making.
AI and Parents
OPPORTUNITIES
Homework Assistance AI tools can help parents understand educational content so they can better aid their children in homework, projects, test prep, and more.
Special Needs Support AI can offer personalized resources, tools, and strategies to better support their child’s unique learning requirements. Behavioral Insights AI can analyze data on a child's behavior and social interactions to provide parents with insights and recommendations to support their child’s social and emotional development. Course and Extracurricular Recommendations AI can help parents and students choose appropriate courses and extracurricular activities based on the student’s strengths, interests, and future goals.
College and Career Guidance AI tools can provide personalized guidance on college and career planning, helping parents and students navigate their futures.
CHALLENGES
Access to Technology Not all parents have access to the necessary technology or internet connectivity, which can limit their ability to use AI tools effectively.
Technical Literacy Some parents may lack the technical skills required to navigate and utilize AI applications, leading to frustration and underutilization of available resources.
Consent and Control Parents may be wary of how their child's data is used and if they have sufficient control and understanding of consent of the AI tools.
Over-reliance on Technology There's a risk of parents becoming overly reliant on AI tools, which may neglect the importance of personal engagement and judgment in their child’s education.
Does AI = Cheating?
The biggest debate in the education world when it comes to AI revolves around academic honesty. Is it considered “cheating” if students use AI tools on their schoolwork? The answer is complicated. Let’s look at another technology that shook up education: the calculator. In the 1980s, calculators started to become cheap and readily available. This led to a heated debate over whether students should use them on math assignments. Was using a calculator cheating, or just being resourceful? The answer turned out to be both. There are times when it’s appropriate for a student to use a calculator and times when it’s inappropriate.
The Daily Item , April 5, 1986
The same can be said about using AI tools. When a student is tasked with creating an original piece of writing or solving a mathematical problem, AI tools can basically do the work for them. This is a form of academic dishonesty.
However, there are many instances where students can benefit from using AI tools to enhance their learning. They include:
Research Assistance AI can help students find relevant articles, books, and resources quickly by summarizing information or suggesting related topics, making research more efficient. Writing Assistance AI tools like grammar and style checkers (e.g., Grammarly) can help students improve their writing by suggesting corrections and enhancing clarity, coherence, and tone. Study Aids AI can create personalized quizzes, flashcards, and practice tests based on the material a student needs to study, making revision more targeted and effective. Plagiarism Detection AI can help students ensure the originality of their work by checking for unintentional plagiarism and suggesting citations where needed.
The Stoplight Model
It’s important for teachers to educate students on when it’s okay and not okay to use AI. One popular method used in schools today is the “stoplight model,” which clearly identifies when students may use AI on assignments and to what level.
RED LIGHT AI usage is NOT permitted in this activity. YELLOW LIGHT Permission from teacher is required before using AI. GREEN LIGHT Students are encouraged to use AI tools.
To learn more about this concept, read A Stoplight Model for Guiding Student AI Usage from Edutopia .
Detecting AI Usage in Writing
AI writing detectors work by analyzing text for patterns, structures, and stylistic elements commonly associated with AI-generated content. They compare the text against training data from AI models and assess factors like repetitiveness, probability of word choices, and sentence predictability. Some detectors use algorithms designed to identify the linguistic "fingerprint" of AI outputs. However, these detectors are not always accurate. They may incorrectly flag well-written human text as AI-generated, especially if it follows clear, formal, or predictable patterns often taught in academic writing. Conversely, they may fail to detect AI-generated text that mimics human idiosyncrasies or includes intentional errors. Their accuracy depends heavily on the quality of the training data and the complexity of the writing being evaluated, making them imperfect tools for assessing authorship.
A Robot Wrote the Declaration of Independence?
What happened when a data scientist ran the preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence through an AI-detection system? The system claimed that 97.75% of the preamble was AI-generated. This is just one example of inaccurate detection of AI writing. Schools can’t rely on these programs to spot plagiarism: teachers must remain engaged in understanding and identifying their students’ work.
Learn More About This Story
Detecting AI, Detecting Bias
According to a report by Common Sense Media, the percent of students who use generative AI programs to write their assignments is nearly equal amongst White, Latino, and Black students. However, when plagiarism detectors incorrectly label a student’s work as AI-generated, there is a disparity amongst races.
Teens whose teacher(s) flagged their schoolwork as being created by generative AI when it was not, by race/ethnicity:
White Students
Latino Students
Black Students
7 %
10 % 20 %
Is Everyone Cheating These Days?
The fear of a massive cheating wave might have been blown out of proportion. Recent studies and surveys show that students generally see generative AI tools as helpful sidekicks for things like research and editing. But when it comes to cranking out full essays, most students think that is crossing the line. So, while AI is definitely a player in education now, it seems like most are using it responsibly — at least for now.
Common Student Uses of AI
According to a 2024 report by Impact Research, these are the most common ways that K-12 students are using AI chatbots:
Help writing essays and other writing assignments
56% of Students
52% of Students
Studying for tests and quizzes
Completing other types of schoolwork
45% of Students
41% of Students
Deepening subject knowledge
38% of Students
Creating presentations
To learn more, read Summer preparedness: AI for the 2024-25 school year by Flint K12.
Watch: Q&A with Sadie St. Lawrence
Sadie St. Lawrence is the founder and CEO of Women in Data, the #1 Community for Women in AI and Tech. Sadie has trained over 350,000 people in data science and has developed multiple programs in machine learning and career development. Sadie was named 10 Most Admired Business Women to Watch in 2021, and has been listed as a Top 21 Influencer in Data. Sadie was a keynote speaker at the 2023 MSBA Annual Conference and provided an overview of what AI is and its current influence on education – including its positive contributions and potential pitfalls. At the end of the session, MSBA Executive Director Melissa Randol joined Sadie for an engaging Q&A that touched on a wide variety of topics in the world of AI.
Watch: AI in Education – Opportunities & Challenges
In April 2024, MSBA’s Director of Digital Initiatives Mark Henderson presented a one-hour webinar that provided basic information on AI and explored potential positives and negatives of using it in K-12 schools.
MSBA Interview with Ballotpedia
In August 2024, an interview with MSBA’s Mark Henderson was featured in Ballotpedia’s Hallpass about AI’s role in education. Read the interview here.
AI POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
No matter a district’s stance on AI, it’s essential for it to have policies and procedures to ensure that tools are being handled properly. In this section, you’ll learn important factors to consider when drafting & adopting AI policies and procedures.
Watch: AI Affects Everything
You may not realize how many areas of school operations are touched by AI. In this video, attorney Gretchen Shipley of F3 Law explains AI’s connections to other others of operation.
Human Accountability
When it comes to using AI in schools, humans must always be “in the loop. ” While AI tools may be incredibly helpful for making decisions and solving problems, they cannot have the final say. Humans must use the information provided by the AI tools to make decisions. If there are negative consequences to decisions aided by AI, a human will be held responsible. Saying, “Don’t blame me, the robot did it!” won’t hold up in court.
This slide from a 1979 IBM presentation is more true today than ever.
AI’s Impact on Federal Laws
FERPA – AI use must not disclose student education records.
COPPA – Additional protections for users under 13. Can district consent on parents’ behalf?
ADA – AI must be accessible and offered on an equal basis to people with disabilities.
IDEA – Unclear if AI may prove adequately private and effective to assist in creating IEPs.
Rehabilitation Act – What goes for IEPs likely goes for Section 504 plans.
Title VII – Unequal access to AI based on race, sex, etc., may be a violation.
Policy Considerations
School districts have a golden opportunity to lead the way in responsible AI use, using policy. But AI is constantly changing. We don’t know what new forms it may take in the future. The “Missouri Model” was developed by the Missouri School Boards’ Association for district implementation. While made for Missouri, its universal principles make it applicable to all regions.
Structure of the Missouri Model
The board decides its district AI philosophy and strategy.
The board delegates an AI Coordinator (superintendent or other designee) to carry out strategy.
The AI Coordinator enacts an AI Use Plan to address pressing AI concerns.
The AI Coordinator expands the AI Use Plan using a provided kit of materials, in consultation with school community.
The board, AI Coordinator, and other involved parties periodically review and adjust the plan.
Missouri Model Principles
Safety First AI tools must have strong privacy controls and safety guardrails. There always needs to be a human “in the loop” to ensure protocols are being followed.
Local and Flexible Since no two districts are exactly alike, the model is adaptable to the strategy each district chooses. This allows for quick administrative response to emerging issues.
Room to Grow and Explore With a foundation of safety in place, the district can branch out to the potential enhancements offered by AI.
Accountability Districts can provide concrete reasons for their choices. The district AI Coordinator’s decisions will be guided by the Board’s philosophy and strategy, so they can always be traced back to policy.
Students and Staff are Responsible for Negative Effects of their AI Use THE BOTTOM LINE:
MSBA Samples
SUasemPplaenDistrict
SAaI mPoplliecyDistrict
Sample District Use Plan
Sample District AI Policy
Watch: The Washington Story
The Washington, MO School District has adopted MSBA’s AI policy. In this video, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart and Director of Technology Casey Fisher discuss their district’s journey to adapting the policy.
Policy & Procedure Tools
Legal Considerations for AI in Education Tip Sheet
AI Sample Policy
Sample Insert into Employee Accounts Receivable or Acceptable Use of Technology Policy
Sample Parent/Guardian Consent for Open AI Tool
Sample AI Language to Insert in Student Acceptable Use of Technology Policy
AI Contract Review Flowchart for Student Data Resharing and Parental Consent
Sample Checklist for Vetting Software Applications
A big thanks to Gretchen Shipley of F3 Law for generously sharing these resources!
AI SAFETY AND SECURITY
What is a “Deepfake?” A deepfake is an image, video, or audio that was altered and manipulated by an AI tool. They often show a person doing something or saying something that they did not actually say or do in real life. Recent advances in AI technology has made this process easy and readily available to everyone. This offers scammers and political activists with powerful tools to exploit unsuspecting individuals or manipulate and/or damage the public reputation of a person or group. Why do they work? Deepfakes are created to “stoke” emotions and encourage people to share. One share on social media turns into several shares from recipients, then hundreds, then thousands, and on and on and on …
MSBA Resources
Can You Spot a Deepfake?
IMosr teAhdIa-i atC SrPeoacsti tae lRd e? a l
Is that Social Media Post Real or AI-Created?
Can You Spot a Deepfake?
Use these resources to educate yourself and others about deepfakes and AI-generated content. Feel free to share or print.
Ways to Spot Deepfakes
Look at the Backgrounds A vaguely blurred background, smooth surfaces, or lines that don’t match up are red flags that an image or video is AI generated. Changing or odd clothing patterns are also a common giveaway. Consider Context Think about the scenery and how it matches - or doesn’t match - the current climate, season, or physical possibility. If it seems off, it’s likely suspicious and needs more scrutiny. Vehicles may be on the wrong side of the street or signs facing the wrong direction. So pay attention to things that “just don’t look right.”
Proportions are a Good Sign Look at objects and if they are “mushed” together or seem too large or too small, it may be a fake. Buildings may appear too close together or odd in proportion.
Check out Body Parts or Features Watch extremities - like fingers, ears, and feet - as they are often difficult for AI to imitate. Fingers often appear oddly long or there may be too many. The lower portion of the face, like the chin and the neck, are often difficult for AI to generate accurately when moving. Hair is difficult as well, especially if moving. If it looks odd, it may be fake.
Ways to Spot Deepfakes (continued)
Watch the Angles Deepfakes are fairly accurate in one position, especially when facing the camera. But when the person turns, the AI tends to cause glitches or it may be blurry. Watch hair and clothing when moving, as AI tends to have difficulty making it look natural. Blurred backgrounds, smooth surfaces, or lines that don’t match up are red flags.
Pay Attention to Text on Signage or Labels AI can have trouble with spelling, so watch for fake or jumbled words on signs or labels.
Watch: A Brief Introduction to Deepfakes
MSBA K-12 Safety Director Bob Klausmeyer provides a quick and dirty overview of deepfakes.
Deepfakes: Think It Through
When it comes to protecting yourself from misinformation, the key is don’t believe everything you see, read, or hear.
Verify Sources Check the credibility of the source. Look for news from other, sources that are known to be accurate and responsible. Verify the information across multiple trusted sources before believing the information and, especially, before sharing it. Check the Author Research the author of the content. Check to ensure they are credible and have a reputable background. Check to ensure they are not just sharing something unverified. Use Fact-Checking Tools Use trustworthy fact-checking websites and tools and use more than one. Even some “reputable” fact -checking tools are known to share “portions” of the facts that align with specific agendas, so always use more than one. Be Skeptical of Social Media Understand that social media platforms are “breeding grounds” for misinformation. Posts are frequently shared without trusted verification and, often, with emotion. Be cautious of “viral” content and consider potential biases of those sharing the information.
Think Before You Share and Verify with Care! THE BOTTOM LINE:
Reverse Image Search
Before clicking “share” on any image or video, try a reverse image search. Open a browser (Google, Bing, etc.) and click on images at the top, then try searching for the image. If you are unable to find it, it may be a fake, as most images are immediately available online.
List of Deepfake Detection Tools
List of Deepfake Detection Tools
Watch: Five Safety Tips
In this video, attorney Gretchen Shipley of F3 Law provides five safety tips for organizations when it comes to AI usage.
Watch: AI in Education – Safety Considerations
In April 2024, MSBA’s Director of K-12 Safety Bob Klausmeyer presented a one-hour webinar on the safety threats related to AI usage in today’s world.
Using AI for Child Sexual Abuse Material
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is the modern term for child pornography. Unfortunately, AI tools are being used to create CSAM. In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) tipline received 4,700 reports of CSAM generated using AI tools. Sometimes these materials are used in attempt to extort a child or their family for financial means. To learn more, read Generative AI CSAM is CSAM on NCMEC’s website.
Protecting Student Data
For legal and safety reasons, we must ensure that AI tools do not collect or share personally identifiable information (PII).
Biometrics
Health Info
Passwords
PII
Location
Birthdate
Phone Number
Account Numbers
Here are some ways to ensure PII is protected:
Educate Adults and Students Everyone needs to understand PII and why it’s important to not expose it to AI tools. We teach children not to share their personal information with strangers on the internet, but they may think it’s safe to share it with AI chatbots since they are not human. That is not the case.
Set Usage Guidelines Ensure that the only data collected by tools is what’s absolutely necessary for their intended educational purpose. Outline how AI tools can use student data and who can access it. Identify consequences for district staff who fail to follow these guidelines and unnecessarily expose student PII. Vet All AI Tools Tools must be examined to ensure they protect student data BEFORE anyone is given access/permission to use them. It can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the available AI tools. It’s okay to go slow and ensure you fully vet them – don’t rush! Here are two resources than can help:
Common Sense Media publishes AI reviews that act as nutrition" labels” for AI tools. They describe a product's opportunities, considerations, and limitations in a clear and consistent way, putting the right information you need at your fingertips. Explore the tech companies that have signed the Student Privacy Pledge. The pledge ensures student PII is collected, used, and retained solely for authorized educational purposes with parental or student consent, prohibits its sale or use for targeted advertising, prevents unauthorized profiling, mandates notice for policy changes, and restricts retention beyond necessary periods.
Review Existing Vendor Contracts Many companies are implementing AI tools into their existing products and services. They may not always notify users that this has occurred. That’s why it’s important to ensure any existing agreements with vendors address student PII usage. Don’t let tools fall through the cracks!
Questions for School Boards to Ask
While a school board is not involved in the day-to-day operations of their district, it is essential for them to be aware of the decisions being made regarding use of AI. Boards can use the questions below to ensure the correct legal and safety considerations are being made by district administrators.
General Data Privacy ▪ What is our process to approve online resources and tools? ▪ How do we identify tools that collect student data? ▪ What national standards and/or resources do we use regarding student data privacy? ▪ What national standards and/or resources do we use regarding vendor vetting? ▪ What training do we provide staff (administrators and teachers) regarding data privacy and our resource adoption process? ▪ How do we monitor compliance with our data governance policies and processes? ▪ How can the Board support and prioritize this important data privacy work?
Resources for Student Use ▪ How do we check & monitor resources being used by students? ▪ To ensure students are not using resources that include terms of service or a privacy policy restricting use for their age group. (i.e., Not for use by those under 18 or under 13, etc.)
▪ What is our process to obtain parental consent? ▪ When required by COPPA or FERPA? ▪ When related to the vendor’s terms of service?
Use of AI ▪ What policies does our district have regarding the use of AI? ▪ Have we identified currently used tools or resources that incorporate generative AI? ▪ If yes, do we have a list of those tools? ▪ Are we aware if our current vendors use or provide any tools that incorporate generative AI? ▪ If yes, how do we address the introduction of generative AI and/or new data use by those vendors? ▪ Have we revised our vendor contracts to include data privacy standards related to the incorporation of generative AI? ▪ If yes, have we revisited our contracts with current vendors that incorporate generative AI? ▪ Are we training our school community (administrators, teachers, general staff, students, families) on the advantages and the dangers of using tools with incorporated generative AI? ▪ If we are, how is that training being applied for: Administrators? Teachers? General Staff?
Students? Families?
AI ETHICS & EQUITY
The development and use of AI tools raise important ethical and equitable considerations. Here is some guidance on understanding and addressing these considerations to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly.
Ensuring Fairness Fairness involves developing AI systems that treat all individuals and groups equally - avoiding discrimination based on race, gender, age, or other characteristics. Steps to ensure fairness include: ▪ Bias Detection and Mitigation - Implement techniques to identify and reduce biases in AI models. ▪ Inclusive Datasets - Use diverse and representative datasets to train AI systems. ▪ Fair Algorithms - Design algorithms that promote equitable outcomes. Promoting Transparency Transparency in AI involves making the inner workings and decision- making processes of AI tools clear to users and stakeholders. Key practices include: ▪ Explainable AI (XAI) - Develop models that provide clear explanations for their decisions. ▪ Documentation - Provide detailed documentation of AI systems, including their design, data, and decision processes. ▪ Open Access - Share AI research and models to facilitate scrutiny and improvement by the wider community.
Having Accountability Accountability ensures that there are clear lines of responsibility for the actions and decisions made by AI tools. This includes: ▪ Governance Structures - Establish governance frameworks to oversee development and use of AI tools ▪ Impact Assessments - Conduct regular impact assessments to evaluate the social and ethical implications of AI systems. ▪ Legal and Regulatory Compliance - Ensure AI systems comply with relevant laws and regulations. Ensuring Equity Equity involves ensuring that AI technologies benefit all segments of society and do not disproportionately harm or exclude any groups. This includes: ▪ Accessibility - The need to promote equal access to AI technologies and education. ▪ Bias - Involving and engaging diverse stakeholders in the AI development process. ▪ Manipulation - Considering the effects and impact of AI systems on vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Learn More About AI Ethics & Equity
The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems provides a certification around AI ethics.
Microsoft's Fairlearn provides resources to help individuals think about fairness as “sociotechnical” and to think about the broader societal context when developing and using AI systems.
DARPA's Explainable AI Program details the need for more AI systems that are accountable and explainable (XAI) to enable the users to know they are receiving reliable, trustworthy information.
AI Governance: A Holistic Approach to Implement Ethics into AI is a paper about the importance of applying AI principles and values when developing AI systems and machines to develop a “human - centric AI society.”
The Partnership on AI focuses on inclusivity and bringing diverse voices together, and it looks at AI influences on media and society.
The Responsible AI Practices by Google outlines their AI principles where they mention the importance of not being socially biased.
AI RESOURCE LIBRARY
It can be overwhelming trying to keep up with the latest AI tools and information. MSBA is here to help! We’ve collected and reviewed the following resources to help you better understand AI. The links in this section will be reviewed and updated regularly, so check back often for the latest.
Click on a category below or flip through the entire library.
Academic Integrity & Detection
AI in Teaching
AI News
Prompting
AI Platforms
Videos About AI
Online Courses for K-12 Students
Student Data Privacy
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Resources: AI in Teaching
In the Age of AI, Students Need to Develop Their Self-Intelligence Harvard Business Publishing
What ChatGPT’s Voice and Image Capabilities Mean for Educators Harvard Business Publishing
4 Simple Ways to Integrate AI into Your Class Harvard Business Publishing
Revolutionizing education with AI: Exploring the transformative potential of ChatGPT Contemporary Educational Technology
Helpful or Harmful? How AI Shaped Education In 2023 Science Friday
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning Insights and Recommendation Office of Educational Technology
Are Your Students Ready for AI? A Four-Step Framework to Prepare Learners for a ChatGPT World Harvard Business Publishing
Promoting Authenticity of Student Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Faculty Guide from the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement Lamar University
What to do about assessments if we can’t out -design or out-run AI? LinkedIn
Incorporating AI in Teaching: Practical Examples for Busy Instructors Daniel Stanford’s Substack
AI Guidance for Teachers From Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, guidance on what AI (especially Generative AI) is and how it can be incorporated transparently and effectively.
AI Snapshots from ai EDU, an assortment of classroom warmups that will give your students a basic understanding of AI.
AI and You encourages AI literacy, a basic understanding of AI, and its impact on workers, educators, students, small businesses, and others. They to prepare marginalized communities for AI benefits, risks, and opportunities.
The K-12 Gen AI Readiness Checklist Questionnaire was created by the Council of the Great City Schools, Consortium for School Networking, and Amazon Web Services. There are several ways district leadership can use this checklist to assess and enhance their readiness for integrating Generative AI technologies.
Teach AI brings together education leaders and technology experts to guide the safe, effective, and responsible use of AI in schools by connecting the discussion of teaching with AI to teaching about AI.
The Ultimate Generative AI Glossary is designed to empower readers with a solid and clear understanding of the critical concepts that drive generative AI. (Thanks to the Fullers Library STEM Club for Girls for suggesting this resource.)
Resources: Academic Integrity & Detection
Academic Integrity and Assignment Design MLA-CCCC Joint Task Force on Writing and AI
Why AI detectors think the US Constitution was written by AI Ars Technica
GPT Detectors are Biased Against Non-Native English Writers Cornell University
New Data Reveal How Many Students Are Using AI to Cheat Education Week
Resources: AI Prompting
New Chain-Of-Feedback Prompting Technique Spurs Answers And Steers Generative AI Away From AI Hallucinations Forbes
Prompt Library (Instructor Aids, Student Exercises, and Other Prompts) More Useful Things
10 Prompt engineering techniques to improve your results Geeky Gadgets
Student Use Cases for AI Harvard Business Publishing
Resources: AI News
Get The Rundown on the latest developments in AI. Join 400,000+ daily readers from Microsoft, Meta, NASA, and more.
Artificial Intelligence News provides news, industry analysis, and digital media insight around numerous marketing disciplines; mobile strategy, email marketing, SEO, analytics, social media and much more.
Edutopia regularly publishes articles on the integration of technology in education - including AI. Topics range from AI tools for personalized learning to AI's impact on future job prospects.
The Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Education features research articles, reviews, and case studies on the use of AI in education. Find valuable insights on AI applications, pedagogical approaches, and best practices.
AI Tool Report allows you to search thousands of AI tools by features and price easily. The website also has a newsletter that keeps you updated with the latest AI news.
Education Week covers a wide range of topics related to K-12 education, including AI. Find articles on AI-powered assessment tools, AI-driven tutoring systems, and the ethical implications of AI in education.
Futurepedia is an AI resource directory that organizes and reviews thousands of AI tools. Best of all, it’s updated daily.
The New York Times Learning Network offers articles, lesson plans, and interactive features for K-12 educators. Topics include AI breakthroughs, AI applications in different industries, and AI's impact on society.
Frog Street is a multi-blog series that dives into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for Early Childhood Education (ECE).
Ideas and Innovations in Early Childhood Education has a report on how AI will have monumental impacts on early childhood education and care in the near future.
Computer Science Teachers Association has a report on embracing AI in computer science education: a movement towards inclusive and ethical tech futures.
The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying thought and intelligent behavior and their embodiment in machines. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) publishes articles and resources on the intersection of technology and education. Explore topics like AI-driven adaptive learning, AI ethics in education, and AI tools for classroom management.
Resources: Videos
CyberWork and the American Dream (PBS) This documentary looks at the impact of robotics and AI on the future of work. How can the U.S. best prepare for the challenges of this new technological disruption? Frontline: In the Age of AI (PBS) This documentary explores the promise and perils of AI, including fears over work and privacy, and the rivalry between the U.S. and China. Careers in AI (Personal Robotics Group) For students today, future opportunities in the tech world are more abundant than ever. More specifically, the field of AI is growing at an incredibly rapid rate and the careers that correspond to it are multiplying as well.
Crash Course – Artificial Intelligence In this series, host Jabril Ashe explains the logic behind AI by tracing its history and examining how it’s being used today.
Jordan Herrod - EverydAI This YouTube channel focuses on highlighting the ways we interact with AI every day.
How AI Works (Code.org) This series of short videos will introduce you to how AI works and why it matters. Then delve into issues like algorithmic bias and the ethics of AI decision-making.
The Age of AI (YouTube Originals) This eight-part documentary series discusses the ways AI, machine learning, and neural networks will change the world. AI Ethics and Fairness in 7 Minutes (Fair Bytes) A quick introduction to the topic of AI fairness and model bias, under the realm of AI ethics. How could AI algorithms be unfair and unethical? Computer Scientist Explains Machine Learning (Wired) Wired challenged computer scientist Hilary Mason to explain machine learning to five different people: a child, a teen, a college student, a grad student, and an expert. This is the result. How to Train You Robot (Animated Story) This video tells the story of 4th graders who build a robot to clean up their Razzle-Dazzle Robot Club workshop. When it doesn't work as expected, they visit their local, university where they discover new research in AI and robot learning. Living in the Age of AI (Wired) An intelligent introduction to AI for the layman. Topics include self- driving cars, machine learning and neural networks, and applications of AI in areas like agriculture, medical diagnosis, digital special effects and deep fakes, and aids for persons with disabilities.
How Will AI Transform Learning for Kids? (Common Sense Media) This is an interview with Sal Khan, the Founder and CEO of Khan Academy, on the possibilities to transform learning through AI.
Resources: AI Platforms
Google AI Education provides a variety of resources for educators interested in teaching AI concepts and skills – including lesson plans, instructional videos, and hands-on activities.
Microsoft AI for Education provides AI tools and resources for educators to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Explore AI-powered tools like Microsoft Learning Tools, Azure AI services, and Minecraft Education Edition. IBM AI Academy provides educational resources for teaching AI concepts - including online courses, tutorials, and workshops. Educators can access IBM's AI Education platform to learn about AI fundamentals, machine learning, and AI ethics. Code.org has a free AI curriculum for K-12 students that features interactive lessons, coding activities, and AI projects. Use their AI curriculum to introduce students to AI concepts and develop their coding skills.
On AI 4 K-12, educators can find resources, curriculum guidelines, and professional development opportunities for teaching AI concepts and skills.
School AI is designed for K-12 students with built-in monitoring & controls for teachers.
Formative AI is designed to revolutionize the way teachers assess their students’ work. They provide real -time student feedback and analysis of strengths and areas for improvement.
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