AI in K-12: an IT admin’s first steps to secure, ethical and purposeful AI deployment

Artificial intelligence: love it, hate it, it doesn't matter — it's here to stay. Preparing for a future that incorporates AI starts in our schools, as students learn the dangers, capabilities and their relationship with AI technology. The exact pedagogy surrounding AI isn't obvious, nor are other policies about its use. But its potential benefits can't be ignored; a balanced implementation of AI requires careful intention and planning.

We dive into this in our paper, AI in K-12: An IT Admin’s First Steps to Secure, Ethical and Purposeful AI Deployment. Check out the paper for a detailed look! Offering an actionable checklist at the end, the paper focuses on a few key points:

AI tools can enhance learning.

AI tools, especially generative AI, impact learning. When your school thoughtfully integrates AI into schools, AI:

• Becomes a companion for teachers, reducing their administrative burden.
• Improves access to resources that can be hard to find.
• Provide immediate feedback so teachers can adapt their lessons.
• Offer personalized and equitable learning to help learners of all abilities learn best.
• Predict at risk students for schools to intervene early.

AI implementation requires intention.

Deploying AI requires careful nuance, especially as AI regulations and principles develop. A few considerations are:

• How AI apps are managed and deployed
• Data privacy, security and compliance
• Quality control and accuracy
• Balancing automation and human interaction

And others — check out the paper for more.

IT policies shape the evolution of AI.

Policies created by school administrations and IT can influence AI. With proper training and vetting of AI platforms, schools can ensure that:

• Teachers can competently teach students how to use AI
• AI isn't harvesting data or violating privacy
• AI usage isn't perpetuating biases or providing the wrong information

As students learn with and about AI, schools help create the next generation of AI developers. That's why it's critical to face AI with care and purpose. Is your school ready?