At school and in our lives, we know that success comes from having good strategy, lots of creativity, a little bit of luck, and putting in the work. AI can be a powerful tool, designed to help you explore deeper, brainstorm faster, and sharpen your skills, but it doesn’t replace your own thinking.
Using AI responsibly means staying in control. Using an AI tool can deliver you amazing results within seconds, but you need to remember to bring your own unique energy, creativity, and heart. Using AI tools help you brainstorm, learn, and create in new ways, but it only really shines when you are the one in control.
Now it’s time to bring the energy. Have fun and Remember to Be S.M.A.R.T.!
AI is only as good as the instructions you give it. Instead of asking a single question, try the C.T.F. Method:
Context: Tell the AI who you are and what you are working on (e.g., "I am a 9th grader studying the Water Cycle").
Task: Be specific about what you need (e.g., "Help me brainstorm three creative metaphors for evaporation").
Format: Tell it how you want the answer (e.g., "Put them in a bulleted list").
AI doesn't actually "know" facts; it predicts the next word in a sentence. Sometimes, it predicts wrong, this is called a hallucination. This is why the "Review & Re-Check" step is non-negotiable. If an AI gives you a date, a quote, or a scientific fact, consider it a "rumor" until you verify it with a trusted source like a textbook or a library database.
AI is great at patterns, but it’s terrible at being you. There are things AI simply cannot do:
Your Perspective: AI doesn't have your life experiences or your unique way of seeing the world.
Real-World Context: AI doesn't know what is happening in your classroom, your school, or the Rochester community today.
Ethics & Empathy: AI doesn't have a heart. It cannot feel or understand the "right" thing to do in a complex human situation.
The best way to use AI is to treat it like a 24/7 tutor. Try these approaches:
"Explain like I'm 5": Ask the AI to simplify a complex concept you're stuck on.
The Quizzer: Paste your notes and ask the AI to quiz you on the key terms.
The Counter-Argument: Ask the AI to find weaknesses in your essay's argument so you can make it stronger.
What is expected of students?
Students will be expected to:
Always ask your teacher first! If there is no mention of AI- Do not use it!
Engage responsibly with RCSD approved AI tools and only use them when permitted by your teacher.
Double-check the AI for mistakes and unfairness.
Follow digital citizenship guidelines and follow classroom rules for technology use.
Use AI to support learning, not to replace your own effort.
What can I expect of my teachers and the RCSD?
Teachers will guide and help you know when it is ok to use AI.
Teachers will help you to Be a Good Digital Citizen when using AI.
The RCSD will ensure your personal data is secure by providing teachers and students with approved and safe tools.