In the fall of 2023, aiEDU, with guidance from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, launched a toolkit aimed at enhancing AI readiness in Ohio's educational institutions. This initiative is designed to provide a structured approach for developing AI-related policies that ensure the safe and effective use of AI technologies in schools. The toolkit, published in January 2024, serves as a resource for educators and policymakers to craft policies that promote responsible AI usage in educational settings.
Recently, aiEDU released a Toolkit Supplement 1: Model Policy Development Protocol. The release coincided with the release of the state's AI Education Strategy by Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
The supplement to the toolkit, titled "Model Policy Protocol," offers practical examples of policy development using the toolkit's methodology. It includes several model policies tailored to address specific aspects of AI usage in schools:
- Model Policy 1: Acceptable Use –Student: This policy outlines guidelines for students' use of AI-enabled tools, emphasizing educational benefits while mitigating associated risks.
- Model Policy 2: Acceptable Use – Educator: Similar to the student policy, this template addresses educators' use of AI tools.
- Model Policy 3: Academic Integrity: Focuses on maintaining academic integrity in the context of AI-assisted academic work.
- Model Policy 4: Student Assessment: Provides a framework for using AI in student assessments for both academic and counseling purposes.
- Model Policy 5: Privacy and Data Security: Ensures protection of privacy and data security when using AI tools.
Appendices and Resources
The document includes several appendices that provide worksheets and inventories to aid in policy development:
- Appendix A offers a blank policy development worksheet to document inputs foundational to sound policy creation.
- Appendices B-F contain populated worksheets corresponding to each model policy, serving as examples for practitioners.
- Appendix G lists values, principles, and evidence that underpin effective policy-making.
Key Considerations
The model policies are designed to be adaptable to specific school or district needs. While they focus on AI-specific issues, their provisions can be integrated into broader policies. The initial draft seeks feedback to refine and expand future iterations.
The document underscores the importance of balancing AI's educational benefits against potential risks like privacy violations and academic dishonesty. It emphasizes training for both students and staff on ethical AI use, bias minimization, and compliance with relevant regulations such as FERPA and COPPA.
Ultimately, the Ohio Policy Development Protocol offers a comprehensive framework for integrating AI responsibly into educational environments, ensuring that students benefit from technological advancements while safeguarding their rights and well-being.
#AI