Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, including education. At Darlington School, we recognize the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a future where AI will be an integral part of many careers. However, it is essential to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically within our school community. This policy outlines the guidelines for the use of AI by students.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
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Provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of AI tools.
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Encourage responsible and ethical use of AI.
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Prevent misuse of AI in ways that could undermine academic integrity or personal privacy.
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Foster an environment where students can learn about and explore AI technologies in a safe and constructive manner.
Definitions
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): Systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the information they collect.
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AI Tools: Software or applications that use AI to perform tasks such as generating text, analyzing data, recognizing images, etc.
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Deepfakes: Photos, videos or audio recordings that use artificial intelligence to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something that is not real.
Guidelines for AI Use
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Educational Use:
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AI tools should be used to complement and enhance learning experiences.
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Students may use AI for research, problem-solving, and as a supplement to their studies, provided it is used transparently and with proper attribution.
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Students should only use AI with explicit permission from their teachers.
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Students may explore deepfake technology for educational purposes, under teacher supervision and with clear ethical guidelines.
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Academic Integrity:
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Any use of AI must comply with the school's academic integrity policies. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of dishonesty facilitated by AI is strictly prohibited.
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Students must clearly distinguish their original work from AI-generated content and provide proper attribution where AI tools are used.
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Privacy and Data Protection:
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Students must not use AI or deepfake technology to collect, share, or disseminate personal information without consent.
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AI tools that analyze or process personal data should only be used with the explicit permission of the individuals involved.
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Ethical Use:
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Use of deepfake technology to impersonate others without consent is not allowed.
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AI should be used ethically, respecting the rights and dignity of others. Any form of AI misuse that could harm individuals or groups is prohibited.
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Students should engage in discussions about the ethical implications of AI and be aware of biases and limitations inherent in AI technologies.
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Supervision and Monitoring:
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Teachers and staff will provide guidance on appropriate AI use and monitor student activities involving AI to ensure compliance with this policy.
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Any misuse of deepfake technology should be reported immediately to school administration.
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Any misuse of AI tools will be subject to disciplinary action as per the school’s code of conduct. In certain circumstances, law enforcement may be notified.
Implementation
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Training and Resources:
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Teachers will participate in professional development focused on AI and its educational applications. This training enables teachers to support students in responsibly navigating AI tools, understanding biases, and protecting data privacy.
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The school will offer training sessions and resources to help students understand AI and its applications, benefits, and potential risks.
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Workshops and seminars on ethical AI use and data privacy will be provided to support educational development.
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Support and Reporting:
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Teachers will facilitate conversations during both classroom and advisory time on responsible AI use, giving students the opportunity to share their thoughts, learn from one another, and reflect on the ethical implications of AI. These discussions aim to cultivate a culture of awareness, accountability, and informed decision-making.
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Students are encouraged to seek help from teachers, technology staff, or school administrators if they are unsure about the proper use of AI tools or ethical dilemmas.
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Any concerns or incidents involving the misuse of AI should be reported to a member of the faculty.
Conclusion
The integration of AI in education offers exciting opportunities for innovation and learning. By adhering to this policy, students at Darlington School will be able to explore and utilize AI responsibly, ensuring that it contributes positively to their educational journey and personal growth.
This policy aligns with the recommendations from NAIS, which emphasize the importance of understanding the ethical implications of AI, the need for professional development on AI for teachers, and fostering discussions about AI’s impact on education and society (NAIS).
