Carson City School Board OKs Generative AI policy, to provide professional learning for educators

Carson City School Board trustees approved a new proposed policy Tuesday regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the district, and discussed implementation tactics for educators.

The purpose of the policy is to develop guidance on how to “responsibly embrace” AI as it can be a “powerful tool and partner in the learning process.”

AI has been discussed more and more in recent years in academia, but usually, it surrounds topics such as plagiarism, with more than half of surveyed college students stating they’ve used AI to complete assignments or exams, while similarly agreeing it constitutes as cheating.

However, more and more technology-savvy educators have advocated for the use of Generative AI as an important tool within the classroom.

“We recognize the potential of generative AI tools to enhance learning and foster innovation while respecting the boundaries of ethical use,” the policy reads.

The ethical use question, according to the district, is a balance.

“We emphasize the importance of teaching and learning the essential skills and fundamental knowledge of disciplines without dependency upon, and alongside, AI integration in the curriculum, ensuring a balanced education,” the policy continues.

The policy also respects educator’s discretion on how and when they wish to utilize generative AI in their classrooms: “We empower instructors to make informed decisions about the use of approved generative AI tools within their courses, respecting their expertise and preferences in pursuit of student learning and development.”

Trustees embraced the policy, with some even wishing to go further.

Trustee Mike Walker asked who would be staying on top of the topic of Generative AI, as the technology is “fluid” and ever-evolving.

Raymond Medeiros, director of instructional and information technology, said the policy is a collaboration between the technology department and the educational services department.

“They have curriculum coaches and a deeper staff than technology so we’re looking at it collectively at the school and at the district level,” Medeiros said.

Superintendent AJ Feuling said there are already early adopters of AI within the classroom, and the district plans to continue gathering feedback from teachers, administrators and students.

He also said they would be offering professional learning around the topic where educators can ask questions and learn more about it.

“For those who are interested in dipping their toes in the water, we plan to go to the schools if people want to come talk about the topic,” Feuling said. “Once we’ve gathered information, we’ll plot out some professional learning.”

Feuling said these professional learning seminars would be optional, but Walker said he would like to eventually see a required component.

Walker said that a requirement to learn about AI would help expose educators who may be reluctant to adopt it.

“Seeing what is available and how it can transfer some of those menial tasks that teachers create on their own (is important),” Walker said. “Optional is great for more advanced things but at some point there should be some component there that is an introduction for all of our teachers. There are credible tools (in Generative AI) that will save them time.”

While Generative AI has not been available through the district’s network to students, Feuling said several educators have already found ways to help support what they are doing using AI, or indirectly having students interact with it.

He said the district needs to determine how to provide it in the classroom to students with the right “guardrails.”

As part of this article, the most well known Generative AI tool, ChatGPT, was asked what are some ways Generative Ai can help educators in the classroom.

The AI platform suggested a number of ways it could be utilized in the classroom including providing content creation, personalized learning, language support, tutoring and feedback, lesson planning, assessment and grading, simulation and virtual labs, accessibility, research assistance, and more.

“Overall, generative AI has the potential to enhance the educational experience by automating routine tasks, personalizing learning, and providing valuable insights that support both students and educators in the classroom,” ChatGPT wrote.

Trustees approved the policy unanimously.