The Importance of Clarity in AI Usage Guidelines for Classroom Activities

Dr. Samuel Mormando is the director of technology, innovation, and online learning for the Garnet Valley School District in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, technology has become an integral part of the learning experience. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such technological advancement that has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As educators, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines for students on when and where AI can be used in the classroom. This ensures that the technology serves as an aid to learning, rather than a crutch or a source of academic dishonesty.

In our workshops on AI we help teachers to develop clear guidelines for students on when it is appropriate to use AI and when it is not. To make it easy and rememberable, we condensed these guidelines into three actionable options:

The Three Options for AI Usage in Classroom Activities

Option #1: "Collaboration with AI software (e.g., ChatGPT) is not permitted on this activity." Red Light

This option is straightforward and leaves no room for interpretation. It is particularly useful for assessments or activities where the primary goal is to evaluate individual student understanding and skills. By explicitly stating that AI collaboration is not allowed, educators can maintain the integrity of the assessment process.

However, it's essential to explain the rationale behind this restriction. Students are more likely to comply with rules when they understand the reasoning behind them. Is the activity designed to assess individual understanding? Is it a formative assessment where collaboration could skew the results? Providing context helps students see the bigger picture and appreciate the importance of adhering to guidelines.

Option #2: "Students are required to obtain permission from me before collaborating with peers or AI chatbots (like ChatGPT) on this activity." Yellow Light

This option offers a balanced approach, allowing for the possibility of AI usage while maintaining a level of oversight. It's particularly useful for project-based learning or complex tasks where collaboration could be beneficial. By requiring permission, educators can ensure that students have a clear understanding of the activity's objectives and how AI can appropriately aid in achieving them.

The key here is the conversation that takes place when a student asks for permission. This dialogue provides an opportunity for educators to gauge the student's understanding and offer guidance on effective collaboration. It also allows for a discussion on ethical considerations, such as citing sources and distinguishing between one's work and the AI-generated content.

Option #3: "Students are encouraged to use AI software (e.g., ChatGPT) for their work on this activity but must first see me so we can discuss how they plan to use these tools and how they will indicate their use in their work." Green Light

This option is the most open, encouraging students to explore the capabilities of AI in their learning journey. It's ideal for activities focused on creativity, research, or problem-solving, where multiple approaches are valid, and technology can serve as a powerful aid.

However, the openness of this option necessitates a robust framework for ethical usage and academic integrity. The required discussion with the educator serves as a checkpoint, ensuring that students are aware of the responsibilities that come with AI usage. It also provides an opportunity to discuss how to indicate AI collaboration in their work, reinforcing the importance of transparency and ethical conduct.

The integration of AI in education is not a matter of 'if' but 'when.' As educators, we have the responsibility to guide our students in navigating this new landscape ethically and effectively. By being clear about the guidelines for AI usage in classroom activities, we can foster an environment that encourages innovation while maintaining academic integrity.

Remember, clarity is not just about setting rules; it's about empowering students to make informed decisions. So, which option will you choose for your next classroom activity? And more importantly, how will you communicate the 'why' behind your choice?

Short Bio:

Dr. Samuel Mormando

Dr. Samuel Mormando is the director of technology, innovation, and online learning for the Garnet Valley School District in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Sam earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University and was honored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) as the 2020 K–12 Innovation Award Winner. Under his leadership, Garnet Valley has become nationally recognized for innovative teaching practices, including its adoption of open education resources and development of a student-centered course design process that allows students to take courses in the traditional face-to-face, online, or blended formats.