Artificial Intelligence
What is Artificial Intelligence?
You may hear terms like "AI", "Chatbots", "GPT", and "Machine Learning" when learning about this topic. Here are some brief explanations:
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) is computer programming that learns and adapts, with systems taught to mimic intelligent human behaviors. (Examples: Playing against a computer at a video game; grammar check)
● Machine learning (ML) is the technique that allows machines to learn autonomously from data (Examples: Snapchat filters and facial recognition)
● Large language models (LLMs) are machine learning models that can understand, predict, and generate human language (Examples: Customer service chatbots, predictive text on your smartphone)
● Generative AI (Gen AI) refers to the use of AI to create new content, like text, images, music, audio, code, and videos (Examples: ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL-E, Magic School)
Why would I use AI in my work?
The Auburn School District believes that technology can offer new ways for us to be creative and efficient in our work. Like computers and the internet, AI is a tool that should be learned and embraced by staff and students.
By incorporating AI into our curriculum, we open up new avenues for learning and problem-solving. AI technology allows for personalized learning experiences, where students can receive tailored feedback and guidance based on their unique strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, AI can assist educators in identifying areas where students may need extra support, allowing for more targeted instruction and ultimately better student outcomes.
Furthermore, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach administrative tasks, such as scheduling and record-keeping. By automating these processes, staff can free up more time to focus on the important work of teaching and supporting students.
We are committed to staying at the forefront of educational innovation, and embracing the potential that AI has to offer is just one way we are doing so. We believe that by incorporating AI into our classrooms and offices, we can better prepare our students for the rapidly-evolving workforce of the future.
Using AI in ASD
🚫 Privacy and Personal Data
Although AI tools can improve productivity, it's essential to protect personal information fed into the system. Auburn School District employees should secure their data by using strong passwords, encrypting data, and monitoring any suspicious activity to benefit from AI tools while maintaining safety. Never enter any personal or sensitive information - especially about students.
📑 Information Literacy
When using AI, it is crucial to fact-check information for accuracy, be aware of potential biases in the data used to train the AI algorithms, and cite any information generated through AI. This helps ensure responsible use of AI and avoids dangers like false information and cultural harm.
All uses of AI require a human-centered approach, meaning reflection and insight are applied to an initial inquiry.
🔒 Data Security
For the safety of our staff and students, software, websites and web based products, extensions, and apps must meet age appropriateness, security requirements/data sharing requirements, and meet criteria under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).
💡 Learn More
The AI guidelines are informed by resources provided by the state (linked below), as well as existing ASD School Board policies (particularly our Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure and Students and Telecommunication Devices Policy).
AI Guidelines in ASD
These icons should be used as a shorthand for AI use in documentation.
Recommended: District-promoted tools which expedite employees’ jobs (e.g. GenAI tools to write emails or summarize information, AI tools to accomplish data analysis quicker); tools which can personalize learning for students; tools which can automate repetitive tasks.
Permitted: Emergent, untested tools (that have been approved for use by ASD) that have the potential to increase outcomes for staff and/or students. New tools should be used after establishing a clear purpose for use.
Restricted: Translations for documents (see Translation Guidelines); using AI to breach academic and professional codes of conduct; using AI to fully replace a role in the organization; using AI in violation of Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure.
Positive Use of AI
Assessment Design and Analysis
In addition to enhancing assessment design by creating questions and providing standardized feedback on common mistakes, AI can conduct diagnostic assessments to identify gaps in knowledge or skills and enable rich performance assessments. Teachers will ultimately be responsible for evaluation, feedback, and grading, including determining and assessing the usefulness of AI in supporting their grading work. AI will not be solely responsible for grading.
Content Development and Enhancement for Differentiation
AI can assist educators by differentiating curricula, suggesting lesson plans, generating diagrams and charts, and customizing independent practice based on student needs and proficiency levels.
Continuous Professional Development
AI can guide educators by recommending teaching and learning strategies based on student needs, personalizing professional development to teachers’ needs and interests, suggesting collaborative projects between subjects or teachers, and offering simulation-based training scenarios such as teaching a lesson or managing a parent/teacher conference.
Research and Resource Compilation
AI can help educators by recommending books or articles relevant to a lesson and updating teachers on teaching techniques, research, and methods. Sources and references should always be verified for validity.
Is it safe to use AI for this task?
Recommended Tools
ASD has reviewed the following tools and recommends them to staff getting started with AI. As you begin to plan for using these tools with students, please connect with your Tech Coach.
Adobe's graphic design suite for students, which now contains the Firefly AI technology to generate images from text.
Fully Free
Staff &
K-12
Free graphic design suite for staff and students, which includes "Magic Studio" capable of generating images from text, or presentation decks, as well as editing photos, helping with writing, and many other features available through various built-in apps.
Fully Free
Staff &
K-12
The pre-eminent chatbot at the moment that can process natural language input and produce comprehensive text output. Version 3.5 is available for free, but the newer version requires a subscription. This engine provides the power to many of the other AI tools listed here, which may be more user-friendly and educationally-focused.
v3.5 Free
Staff & HS
Google's newly-revamped chatbot which is very similar to ChatGPT, but uses Google search to attempt to verify the information that it provides and show cross-references to allow the prompter to verify for themselves. ASD has access to the chatbot only, and not the integrated Gemini features in Google Docs.
Fully Free
Staff & HS
Uses the ChatGPT engine with a number of apps designed specifically for teachers and students, including lesson planning, question generators, and an educational "co-pilot" chatbot to aid you in your work.
Note: Magic Student continues to be under review.
Free w/ limits
Staff Only
Often described as "Wikipedia with AI" and unlike other chatbots, it can search the web and provide sources for its information. It can also act as a conduit for other AI tools like WolframAlpha and provide complex statistical information or computer code in a clean format. (As of 4/16/24 this is affected by a Cloudflare error - we are working with our vendors.)
Free w/ limits
Staff & HS
Generates questions based upon subject matter, standards, and reading level. The output can be exported to Google Forms, Slides, Kahoot, and many other popular tools.
Free w/ limits
Staff Only
Allows teachers to set up "spaces" where students can interact with themed AI chatbots in a safe manner. They can engage with historical or fictional figures, or be prompted by a tutor to increase their understanding of a topic. All of this is viewable by the teacher to promote engagement and learning.
Fully Free
Staff &
K-12
Any further AI tools that staff wish to use must be listed on the Approved Tools page.