BVA considering policy to manage AI in schools

School districts are navigating a new world when it comes to technology and the use of artificial intelligence in education.

Due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the Belle Vernon Area School board decided to take steps to address student use of the new technology while upholding academic integrity.

During the board’s work session/voting meeting last week, there was a discussion about taking steps to address the best way to use AI in the classroom. The proposed policy would also define how district teachers and staff can use the technology in their teaching practices.

“The district recognizes the potential that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) offers in enhancing educational opportunities, streamlining operations and preparing students for a future that demands adaptability, critical thinking and digital literacy. When incorporated and used in a responsible and ethical manner, Generative AI can support a dynamic working and learning experience,” reads the proposed policy.

According to BVA Superintendent Timothy Glasspool, the new policy won’t be voted on until the board’s next voting meeting.

“We know kids are using it, teachers are using it, ChatGPT and others,” Glasspool said. “We’re just going to reiterate its responsible use, copyright laws, profanity, and inappropriate language. Again, not selling somebody else’s work as your own.”

ChatGPT is a chatbot and virtual assistant developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT relies on technology known as a large language model, which is trained to mimic human writing by processing a large database of digitized books and online writings and analyzing how words are sequenced together.

The proposed policy outlines how the district will provide professional development opportunities for BVA staff to better their use of AI in the classroom.

Some of the proposed opportunities aim to address the following:

• How to monitor and evaluate student inputs into Generative AI systems.

• Critical analysis of content produced by Generative AI.

• The parameters established by the district for integrating Generative AI tools into classroom instructional design.

• Ethical use of AI. The policy will prohibit the use of AI in making decisions on employee recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, demotions or dismissals.

When it comes to students using AI, the district will let teachers outline the appropriate uses of AI, but must follow the district’s academic integrity policies.

With the increase of AI in schools and universities, for Glasspool this was something that the district had to address.

“We’re just looking to get ahead of it as best we can, the policy is still in process,” Glasspol said.