At Beaufort County School District, we recognize the rapid advancements in technology and the ever-changing landscape of the educational environment. We understand that innovative tools such as ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) bring potential benefits and challenges into our educational system. It is essential to approach their use with thorough understanding, careful vetting processes and adherence to established regulations and educational best practices.
1. Augmentation, not Replacement:
Beaufort County School District holds the firm belief that technology integration should complement classroom instruction rather than supplant human interaction and teaching. While these tools offer valuable support, they are not to replace the essential role of teachers in nurturing meaningful student engagement and facilitating personalized learning experiences.Technology is an ally, not a replacement, in the educational journey. Our dedicated educators remain at the heart of student growth and development.
2. Pedagogical Alignment:
Integrating ChatGPT or AI into the classroom should harmonize with well-founded pedagogical principles and effective instructional strategies. Any deployment of these technologies should align with research-based practices, curriculum standards, and our district’s educational objectives. Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and State Provisos are still priority when selecting instructional materials. In other words, it’s about leveraging technology thoughtfully to empower our students while keeping their holistic development at the forefront.
3. Ethical & Accuracy Considerations:
The Beaufort County School District considers educational integrity foundational to our practices. Our longstanding commitment includes educating students about data ownership, copyright laws, and the importance of discerning accurate information online. As responsible users of AI tools, both students and staff must avoid plagiarism, cheating, and inadvertently sharing sensitive information within these systems.
4. Security & Safety Considerations:
Within the Beaufort County School District, safety and security are paramount for our schools, and this extends to our approach to technology. We prioritize data privacy and network security as the initial step in evaluating any technological tool. Our goal is to safeguard all data and systems within our environment. To achieve this goal, students, staff, and board members must be vigilant. They must refrain from entering or processing any Personal Identifiable Information (PII), Personal Health Information (PHI), or potentially confidential district data within AI systems. No AI applications are permitted on BCSD machines or networks without explicit approval from the Technology Department. By adhering to these guidelines, we create a secure and purposeful technological environment for our entire school community.
5. Professional Development and Support:
Beaufort County School District, we are dedicated to empowering our teachers and staff to effectively harness AI for productivity and learning. This includes:
- Ongoing Professional Development: We commit to providing continuous training and support for all staff and students. Our goal is to enhance their understanding of AI tools and their practical applications.
- Guiding Resources: The district’s Educational Technology Team will curate valuable resources and best practices. These will serve as guides for integrating AI effectively into educational practices.
- Tailored Support: Recognizing that each school community has unique needs, we remain flexible. The Educational Technology Team can individualize support based on specific school requirements.
By fostering a culture of learning and adaptability, we can ensure that AI becomes a powerful ally in our educational journey.
6. Ongoing Evaluation:
In our dynamic educational landscape, Beaufort County School District recognizes the need for continuous evaluation. We commit to regularly assessing the impact of AI on student learning outcomes, potential bias, engagement, privacy, and productivity. These ongoing assessments will inform our decisions and allow us to optimize the use of these powerful tools.
Citations:
- Welcome to Greenville County Schools website!. GCS Position on Generative Artificial Intelligence. (n.d.). https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=ai
- “Microsoft CoPilot . Accessed 2024-4-03. Prompt: ‘What are key points to consider about using AI in K-12 schools.’ Generated using https://copilot.microsoft.com/.”