The AI Committee was instrumental in developing our Vision and Purpose of AI in SPASD. Throughout this training, you will see previews of a guidance document we drafted. The initial step in creating this guidance—since AI in Education has never previously been part of our work as a district—involved extensive research. Our team consulted national guidance documents and attended AI-focused conferences, including SLATE, the K12 AI Deeper Learning conferences, and Leaping into AI. Following these activities, we began the process of compiling all our notes, ideas, and visions into the first draft of our guidance document.
We are currently in the process of gathering feedback and making revisions, which will continue into next year. There is much more to come, but for now, let's explore some excerpts from our ongoing work on this page.
In envisioning the integration of AI tools within the Sun Prairie Area School District, we aspire to develop a dynamic educational environment where staff, students, and families harness the power of AI to propel learning and growth.
Staff members embrace AI as a catalyst for innovation, leveraging its capabilities to enhance teaching moves, nurture critical thinking skills, and streamline administrative processes.
Through collaborative efforts, students are empowered to become flexible learners, equipped with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving world.
Families are integral partners in this journey, actively engaging with AI tools to support their children's educational experiences.
Together, we create a future where AI serves as a cornerstone of personalized, equitable education, preparing our community to thrive in the complexities of the 21st century and beyond.
Our overarching purpose is to ensure that AI tools within the Sun Prairie Area School District serve as catalysts for amplifying human potential rather than substitutes for it. This principle underscores our commitment to responsible, ethical, and effective integration, where AI complements and augments the efforts of staff, students, and families, enriching the educational journey while honoring the invaluable contributions of educators and the woven support with families. We are dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion through the creation, distribution, and utilization of AI lessons and resources at all schools, ensuring that all students have access to transformative learning experiences.
Students, in the future, will have the opportunity to use AI tools and applications to support their learning experiences. However, it is important to teach them to use AI in a responsible and ethical way. This policy outlines the expectations for responsible use of AI in the classroom.
Students aren’t the only stakeholders who need to adhere to responsible use of AI tools. Staff and families are encouraged to take seriously their role and responsibilities when it comes to AI in education. The acronyms in the graphics should guide our collaborative efforts in this new AI world we all live, work, and play in.
Take a few minutes and reflect on the prompt individually using the "Stop & Jot" form to gather your thoughts and then share out to the group.
As you review the vision and purpose statements, reflect on how they resonate with your professional practices. Can you envision yourself embodying these principles in your work? As thoughts of AI in education surface, take a moment to recognize your emotions. Are you feeling excited, nervous, or perhaps anxious? Remember, all reactions are perfectly valid and understandable. Embracing AI in education is essential, as it is undoubtedly here to stay.
Throughout this training, we will establish a foundation of common terminology and shared insights regarding AI in education and beyond.
Let's dive in!