Artificial Intelligence
As technology continues to transform how we live, learn, and connect, the ALCDSB is committed to helping students become confident, capable, and compassionate digital citizens. Through a faith-based lens, we encourage curiosity and innovation while also emphasizing the importance of using tools like artificial intelligence with care, integrity, and purpose.
"The urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of our common home, requires that ethical reflection be extended to the sphere of education.” - Pope Francis (Fung, 2023)
Guiding Principles
Champion Equitable Use
- Foster the ethical and thoughtful use of AI through the lens of Gospel values.
- Empower staff and students to use AI to deepen critical thinking, champion equity and celebrate diversity.
- Prioritize culturally responsive teaching and learning.
AI is a powerful tool that has important benefits and risks. To champion equity, celebrate diversity and prioritize culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy we must be aware of some key areas where AI is making an impact, such as misinformation, deep fakes, bias and more.
Inspire Innovative Teaching and Learning
- Leverage AI to spark creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity.
- Create inspiring educational environments that integrate AI into effective teaching, assessment, and learning to support student achievement and well-being.
The features and capabilities of generative AI will allow it to mimic human thought and writing in such a manner that it will force us to rethink the skills that are most valuable for students to learn. As we have come to accept and understand how other forms of technology have helped to improve human capability, productivity, accessibility, and achievement, so too will we have to acknowledge the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence.
Cultivate Ethical Digital Citizenship
- Prioritize digital citizenship as a system that values trust, transparency and accountability.
- Critically evaluate the biases and ethical implications of AI through the lens of Gospel values.
Educators play a crucial role in fostering digital citizenship by teaching student's various aspects of digital media literacy from an early age. This education sets students on the path to becoming active and responsible digital citizens.
Digital citizenship encompasses several essential skills and responsibilities that students should develop to navigate the digital world effectively and ethically. These include:
- Accessing, using, understanding, and engaging with media: Students should be proficient in interacting with various forms of media, including online communities.
- Applying critical thinking: It's crucial for students to critically evaluate the media they consume and use.
- Performing activities ethically and effectively: Students must understand how to engage with digital content responsibly and ethically.
Safeguarding Privacy and Personal Data
- Choose approved AI tools that prioritize security and privacy.
- Protect personal information to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
On ALCDSB platforms, only AI tools that are approved to meet the standards for privacy, security, and confidentiality in compliance with all applicable data privacy laws are to be used by staff and students.
The ALCDSB is committed to fully integrating AI across the system. Our implementation of AI is guided by a commitment to ethical use, responsible innovation, and the continuous improvement of our educational practices. As we move forward, we will maintain an open dialogue within our school community, ensuring that our policies evolve to reflect our collective experiences and the ever-changing landscape of educational technology.