Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can support educators in strengthening their teaching and understanding of student learning, however, several key components – such as infrastructure, professional learning, curriculum design, and ongoing support – must be addressed before implementing AI within the school system.
What is Generative Artificial Intelligence?
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is artificial intelligence capable of generating text, images, or other data using generative models in response to prompts. Used thoughtfully, it can support personalized student learning, formative assessment, differentiation, and more. It also presents several risks, including misinformation, data privacy and security, and moral and ethical concerns.
Resources for Educational Leaders
Introductory Materials
AI Guide (AI Pedagogy Project, metaLAB at Harvard): Start here! This resource has an excellent introduction to generative AI, tutorial, and resource page. It also has AI-related student "assignments."
AI 101 for Teachers (Code.org, ETS, International Society for Technology in Education, Khan Academy): A free, foundational online learning series for any teacher and educator interested in the groundbreaking world of AI and its transformative potential in education.
Balancing the Benefits and Risks of AI Large Language Models in K-12 Public Schools (MERC): An overview of AI and its implications for K-12 public school education, including promising use cases. Recommended for teachers.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning (U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology): A report that addresses the need for sharing knowledge, engaging educators, and refining technology plans and policies for artificial intelligence use in education.
Learning with AI, Learning about AI (California Department of Education): Information regarding the role of AI in California K-12 public education.
Specific Uses
Prompts for Common Educational Uses (AI for Education): Writing appropriate prompts is a challenging aspect of effectively using AI. These resources provide guidance and samples for immediate use. Explore the prompt library and webpage overview.
aiEDU (aiedu.org): Useful to introduce middle and high school students to AI. It provides AI-themed warm-up activities as well as in-depth project-based activities. The site includes a quick explanation of generative AI; free webinars for educators; and educator toolkits. Recommended for teachers grades 7-12.
Stanford CRAFT (Stanford University): High-quality, rigorous lessons about AI.
AI Literacy Lessons for Grades 6-12 (Common Sense Education): Eight accessible, introductory lessons for grades 6-12.
Hands-On AI Projects for the Classroom (ISTE, General Motors): Differentiated guidebooks for elementary, secondary, elective, computer science, and ethics.
Key Resources for Generative AI Adoption and Policy
Bringing AI to School: Tips for School Leaders (International Society for Technology in Education): This guide provides an overview of generative AI and gives a framework for AI adoption and additional resources for educators.
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for K-12 (All4Ed): A thoughtful framework for implementing generative AI across a district with an equity focus.
AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit (TeachAI): A comprehensive guide on creating policy, guidance, and a framework for adopting generative AI.
K-12 Generative AI Readiness Checklist (Council of the Great City Schools, Consortium for School Networking): An innovative resource that provides a comprehensive list of factors to consider before implementing Gen AI solutions within their school districts.
Creating Effective Responsible Use Policies for Schools (Digital Citizenship Coalition, ISTE, Consortium for School Networking, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools): This resource is a guide for creating policies on the responsible use of generative AI and digital citizenship.
Sample District Positions and Guidelines
Artificial Intelligence - Principles and Beliefs (Peninsula School District, Washington): Peninsula School District's teacher-led AI Action Research team supported the district in adopting principles and beliefs related to AI and creating a list of resources for educators, parents, and students.
AI Guidance (draft) and AI Usage Guidelines (Santa Barbara Unified School District): The Santa Barbara Unified School District drafted guidance for using generative AI in the district, addressing student data privacy and security, staff professional development, and equity and access.