Getting Started with AI
Getting Started with AI
A Guide for all OCSB staff
A Guide for all OCSB staff
Embedded Files
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the technology that enables computer systems to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving tasks. Examples of AI in everyday life include Google Translate, Grammarly, Netflix viewing recommendations, and facial recognition.
Generative AI is a subset of AI that can learn patterns and relationships and use that information to create new content, such as text, images, music, audio, and videos.
In all OCSB documentation and resources, the term AI encompasses all aspects of artificial intelligence, including generative AI.
Why Incorporate AI in the classroom?
Why Incorporate AI in the classroom?
Our Guiding Principles align with our Deep Learning framework and the expectation that all students have equitable access to the curriculum. Effective use of AI has proven to diminish the digital divide, as students from underserved lower socio-economic situations can now have access to homework and tutoring support. As such, students will not be restricted from using board-supported applications that embed the use of AI. Educators will be encouraged to be judicious with implementation strategies but should seek opportunities to enhance equity for all of our students.
AI will also support our multi-lingual learners (MLLs), students with exceptionalities and IEPs, alongside all learners who want to reach their potential.
Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles
The OCSB's AI Guiding Principles are the foundation for all our work using Artificial Intelligence. They provide direction to staff and students for how artificial intelligence is to be used within our schools and school board.
OCSB AI Guiding Principles:
OCSB AI Guiding Principles:
- Prioritize Humane & Ethical Use
- Focus on Education & Learning
- Champion Equity & Justice
- Be Transparent
- Safeguard Privacy, Security & Data Protection
User Responsibilities
User Responsibilities
Overall Responsibility
Overall Responsibility
Always use your judgment to ensure you’re using AI for good. Consider the following:
Do you have the appropriate knowledge necessary to confirm if the output is correct?
If you use AI for a particular task, will it negatively affect anyone around you? Does it reinforce or uphold biases that may cause damage to any group of people?
See Google's AI Responsibility Checklist to ensure the accurate
and ethical use of AI.
Applying the 80/20 Rule
Applying the 80/20 Rule
Think of AI as a capable assistant, not a replacement. It handles the heavy lifting, freeing up your time to focus on personalizing your work. It should never do 100% of the work.
When using AI, a general guideline is to:
use no more than 80% of the verified output from AI and
supplement with at least 20% of your own thinking.
View the AI 80/20 Rule for more details.
Disclosing your use of AI
Disclosing your use of AI
The amount of assistance that AI provides will vary with each task. That is why it is important to have guidelines around when to disclose the use of AI.
For generic tasks such as spell check, grammar check, lesson planning, lesson differentiation, summarization, word and idea suggestions, etc., there is no need to state that the work was assisted by AI.
Citing AI Usage
Citing AI Usage
When AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT lend a hand, it's important to acknowledge their contribution. Just like you'd cite a book or website, give credit to these digital collaborators by mentioning their names and, if possible, linking to their platforms and citing them. This helps maintain transparency and shows respect for the technology that's supporting your work.
Recommended resources:
APA
MLA
Chicago
Prompt Crafting
Prompt Crafting
Prompts are the instructions used to ask an AI tool to perform a task and create an output. The more specific instructions you can give, the better result you're going to get.
An effective prompt is clear, concise, and focused. It ensures that the AI understands the user’s intent and delivers the desired output. This minimizes misunderstandings, reduces errors, and contributes to a more responsible and ethical use of AI.
Creating Effective Prompts
Creating Effective Prompts
The OCSB Prompting Framework can help users get the most relevant and useful responses for their specific needs.
Prompt Crafting Banks
Prompt Crafting Banks
Classroom focus (Google)
For educators (AI for Education)
How to write a prompt (Google)
Education prompts created by a coalition to support AI in Education.
Evaluating AI Output
Evaluating AI Output
Follow these steps to assess the quality of an AI output:
Available AI Tools
Available AI Tools
AI Tools on OCSB Central
AI Tools on OCSB Central
All AI tools posted on OCSB Central that have been vetted for privacy, security, and data protection.
You can access a list of these tools by searching "AI" or filtering under the subject drop down and choosing "AI".
Gemini and other Big AI Tools
Gemini and other Big AI Tools
The free version of Google's Gemini will be posted on both the staff portal and the 7-12 student portal for use by staff and students aged 13+. Staff may also use free versions of ther "big tools" (ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, etc.) Please DO NOT enter or disclose personal or private information into these tools (e.g., Birthdates, Names, etc.).
Choosing Your Own Tools
Choosing Your Own Tools
Educators who wish to use an AI tool not listed in OCSB Central must prioritize student privacy, security, and data protection. Tools that are not in the portal and that require student accounts should use the criteria listed here to evaluate AI tools outside the portal.
Staff Training in AI
Staff Training in AI
Staff Meeting Focus Time
Staff Meeting Focus Time
The OCSB's monthly staff meeting includes time dedicated to our Deep Learning framework. This focus will continue throughout the 24/25 school year, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence through the DL Framework.
Free AI Courses for Educators
Free AI Courses for Educators
Generative AI for Educators (Google)
A two-hour workshop with practical examples of how to use generative AI in the classroom.An Essential Guide to AI for Educators (AI for Education)
A two-hour, hands-on course designed to help educators get started using ChatGPT to save time, engage students, and implement AI responsibly.AI 101 for Teachers (Code.org)
An online learning series covering the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential in education.
Other Suggested Courses
Other Suggested Courses
[New Course]
Experience AI - designed for ages 11-14
Generative AI for Educators - free tool agnostic
Introduction to Responsible AI - free tool agnostic
AI Essentials Coursera - (paid - 10 hours of content)
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms
The world of Artificial Intelligence is constantly evolving, and with it, the language we use to describe it. This Glossary of Terms is your key to staying up to date. Here, you'll find clear definitions for essential AI terms.
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