ACS Artificial Intelligence Use Agreement
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), particularly GenerativeAI, become more prevalent, Alexander County Schools is proactively developing principles to guide the safe, effective, and responsible use of these tools for student learning. After careful consideration, we have established the following principles:
1. Support Education Goals for All: AI will be thoughtfully used to enhance outcomes for every student.
2. Privacy & Security: AI use will align with regulations protecting student data privacy, safety, and accessibility.
3. AI Literacy: Students and teachers will build skills to critically evaluate and utilize AI technologies ethically. While all students will build an understanding of Generative AI, only students that meet age requirements will be given access to AI tools at School.
4. Realize Benefits & Address Risks: We will cautiously explore AI benefits while proactively addressing risks.
5. Academic Integrity: Students who are given access to GenAI tools will be expected to produce original work and properly credit all sources including AI tools.
6. Maintain Human Agency: Generative AI can be used at times to provide support, not replace educator and student discretion in decisions. Our staff will set parameters for each class and assignments for when and how AI systems can be used.
7. Continuous Evaluation: We will routinely audit AI use, updating policies and training as needed.
Background Information:
Artificial intelligence-based large language model is an innovative technology that enhances educational experiences for our students and prepares them for a future in which these tools will be increasingly part of our lives and most careers. In fact, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is the fastest growing field with a predicted 40% growth trajectory, creating a million new jobs by 2027. It is important that our students are trained in the safe, effective and ethical use of generative AI tools, including potential risks and concerns of the tools to prepare them for their future. At Alexander County Schools, we are conducting training with our staff to assist them in utilizing Generative AI tools as well as training that will allow them to help your student understand how to use Generative AI tools in ethical and effective ways.
Generative AI tools provide interactive conversations and suggestions to stimulate critical thinking and creativity and assist students with various learning activities. Benefits of using Generative AI tools include enhanced engagement, personalized support, and the development of critical thinking skills through collaborative learning and group discussions. In addition to the many benefits, the tools also have some potential risks and limitations, such as the potential to provide incorrect information, having inherent biases, and the potential for students to depend too heavily on them. All students will undergo training in the safe, ethical, and responsible use of Generative AI as a learning partner so that they are prepared to effectively and safely work with these tools.
Alexander County Schools’ intent is to introduce generative AI tools to students while adhering to the tools Terms of Service regarding age restrictions. We remind parents and guardians that AI tools may have age restrictions. For example, ChatGPT currently requires users to be at least 13 years old and requires parental or legal guardian consent for students between the ages of 13 and 18. The reason for this is that the website warns that “ChatGPT may produce output that is not appropriate for all audiences, or all ages and educators should be mindful of that while using it with students or in classroom contexts.”
Our goal is to create a learning environment where GenAI technologies empower rather than replace the human aspects of education. We embrace these technologies cautiously to prepare students for a future where these technologies are everywhere.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Alexander County Schools Digital Learning and Technology department. We value your collaboration and are committed to ensuring the best possible educational experience for your child.