Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As emerging technologies like Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) become more prevalent, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) is proactively developing system principles, standards, and direction to ensure the safe, effective, and responsible use of these digital tools for student learning.
The following information details how GenAI will be available for students to use on the HDSB network and/or on HDSB devices such as Chromebooks. Parents / Guardians are strongly encouraged to have discussions with their children about their understanding and use of GenAI both at home and school and to monitor their children’s access to GenAI platforms when not at school.
What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)?
AI is a computer system taught to mimic natural intelligence to help us understand and recommend information. AI helps power tools like Google Search and YouTube to suggest relevant content when you search, and it’s used within Google infrastructure to help keep data safer. Generative AI, or GenAI, is a type of AI that focuses on creating new content, such as text, images, music, and code, all by typing in a simple prompt.
AI enables powerful new ways to support educators and learners. In education, AI can be used to do helpful things like make learning experiences more personal, provide immediate feedback, improve accessibility, enhance digital security, give educators precious time back and so much more. As AI becomes more common in schools and the workforce, it’s becoming increasingly important that students learn to be proficient with AI-powered tools.
Understanding the Risks and Opportunities of GenAI
Opportunities for students utilizing Gen AI include assisting with research, aiding content development, facilitating differentiated learning styles, personalized learning assistance, and enhancing creativity, collaboration, and skill development. Learning the critical thinking skills associated with GenAI tools is essential for students who need to navigate an increasingly digital world.
There are, however, risks associated with GenAI. Students may be tempted to use GenAI inappropriately in their coursework, raising concerns of plagiarism and academic dishonesty. There are significant ethical and equity considerations and, without critical thinking skills, GenAI can perpetuate societal biases and/or create false narratives. There is an increased risk of compromised student privacy and unauthorized data collection. We need to ensure the “human” element remains at the forefront of education and protect against diminished student and teacher agency and accountability and an overreliance on technology and less critical thinking. Finally, users should be careful not to enter personal information into any technology application, including GenAI tools as the information entered by users is stored on the application’s server.
The top priority of the HDSB is your child’s safety. The HDSB is committed to innovation and developing global competencies while ensuring the responsible deployment of digital GenAI tools and safeguarding students’ privacy and personal information.
Our goal is to create a learning environment where AI 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.
GenAI Products Approved for Student Use in the HDSB
Information Services has conducted reviews of commonly used GenAI platforms in order to determine which tools are best suited to meet the needs of HDSB students. These assessments include technical, security, and privacy reviews and are conducted in collaboration with the HDSB School Programs Department.
Effective September 2024, the following
GenAI products have been approved for use in the HDSB:
Secondary Students (Grades 9 - 12)
-
ChatGPT
- DALL-E
- Perplexity
- MagicWrite
- Magic School for Students
Elementary Students (Grades 7 & 8 only)
-
Canva/ CanvaEDU
-
Curipod
-
Magic School for Students
This list is subject to change as the industry continues to evolve and new products are developed. No GenAI tools are currently approved for use by students in the HDSB in grades K - 6.
Student Use of GenAI Tools in the HDSB
Students may utilize approved GenAI tools in the classroom and on their own to produce, refine, and/or complete assigned tasks (e.g. research, writing):
- with their teacher’s approval;
- within the parameters established by their teacher;
- in accordance to the age limitations/restrictions as determined by the GenAI developer and the HDSB (where there is a discrepancy, the decision of the HDSB shall prevail);
- in accordance with all HDSB administrative procedures and expectations of students including but not limited to assessment and evaluation, academic honesty, etc.; and
- with meaningful, signed parental/guardian consent (unless over the age of 18 or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) using the letter template developed by Information Services for such purposes.
Parent/Guardian Consent
A teacher wishing to use GenAI in their classroom with students will send a consent letter home for parents / guardians to review. This must be done for every class/course where GenAI is planning to be utilized. This consent letter will:
- Identify class/grade/program
- Outline the nature of the activity/activities
- Identify the GenAI tool(s) to be used
- Outline, at a high level, the privacy and security risks
- Provide links to:
- Contact information for both teacher and HDSB Privacy (privacy@hdsb.ca)
Where a parent/guardian does not provide their consent, an alternate assignment(s) will be provided by the classroom teacher.
Resources for Parents / Guardians and Students
Common Sense Media provides an overview of AI and reviews of several popular platforms including Bard, DALL-E, ChatGPT, and Stable Diffusion. Common Sense’s
5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Generative AI is a short, clear video guide for parents and guardians.
With respect to Google for Education, the following two resources are excellent places to begin:
The following provide some further reading on the topic of AI and/or GenAI in teaching and learning:
More Information
Please reach out with any questions or feedback as we navigate this rapidly changing digital environment together.
-
For questions or concerns about privacy and consent with respect to approved GenAI tools, please contact
privacy@hdsb.ca .
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For questions or concerns about the approval of GenAI tools, security, data protection, and/or the responsible use of GenAI platforms, please contact
IT@hdsb.ca .
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For questions about the use of AI and how it intersects with curriculum, assessment and evaluation, academic honesty, and other matters, please contact your child’s teacher or your school principal.
Phones
Students can bring their own personal devices to school. Personal devices will be used at the teacher’s discretion for enhancing learning through technology.
Best practices are encouraged for cell phones and other hand held devices.
Personal Devices (Laptops, Tablets, Phones)
Students can bring their own personal devices to school. Personal devices will be used at the teacher’s discretion for enhancing learning through technology.
Ensure there is a password on your device. Protect sensitive and confidential information on your device (ie., add encryption or passwords, backup your data).
Keep your device safe and secure in the classroom and/or in your locker.
Students assume all responsibility for the security of their own devices. The Board is not responsible for the loss, damage or theft of any personal equipment brought to school.
Be careful of what is stored on the device you bring to school - ask yourself what information would be available if the device was lost
Devices
Avoid direct contact of your devices (laptops, ipads, tablets) to your body and/or bare skin.
Give your eyes a rest throughout the day - a rest for your eyes can be as simple as looking away from the screen for short breaks.
Give your body a break and take time away from your device.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY ENABLED CLASSROOMS
WiFi in Our Schools
The Halton District School Board supports the use of WiFi in its schools and administrative offices in order to provide connectivity to resources and improve communication.
WiFi coverage is provided in all HDSB buildings including portables. As such, accommodations cannot be made for students whose parents/guardians request they are taught in a room where there is no WiFi.
Connect your Chromebook to Wi-Fi
To connect to the Internet, use a compatible Wi-Fi network.
Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi
- At the bottom right, select the time.
- Select Not Connected
.
Note: If you see your Wi-Fi network name and a signal strength, your Chromebook is already connected to Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Wi-Fi.
- Your Chromebook will automatically look for available networks and show them to you in a list.
Step 2: Pick a network and connect
Connect to an open network
Select the Wi-Fi network
.
Remember, your information might be visible to other people on this network.
Connect to a secure network
- Select the secure Wi-Fi network
.
- Type the network password.
- Select Connect.
Connect to an unlisted network
Administrators may hide networks so only certain people can use them. To connect to an unlisted network:
- Select Join other network
.
- Enter the network information in the box that appears.
- Select Connect.
Information for this network is automatically saved so you can connect automatically later.
Source:
support.google.com
Additional Resources
WiFi Safety
Safety of WiFi Equpiment (Health Canada)
Virtual Reality
Coming soon
Tech Tips
We have built a HDSB Tech Tips website to support HDSB Staff and families in using technology and providing solutions to common technical issues, questions or ways to reach out to receive Technical Support.
VISIT HDSB TECH TIPS
Tech Helpdesk - a resource developed by the Staff and Students at JW Boich supporting tools for technology in the classroom.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of "smart" devices that connect and communicate via the Internet.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IoT
It is recommended to periodically review your digital devices and remove unnecessary files, pictures and applications. This will help protect against loss of information in the event the device is lost, stolen or damaged as well as the performance of your device.
Tips for Cleaning your Digital Clutter
Backup your device to a secure external device or network/cloud storage (include important files - photos, videos, apps and contacts).
Delete documents, apps and unnecessary data from your device.
Be selective on what you keep on your device (only add applications, photos and videos you use).
Update your device password (optional but always good to periodically change your passwords).
Set a calendar reminder for your next digital cleanup.
VIEW #TechandU Tips on Twitter
