INNISFAIL - The 11,000-student Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) is developing a new policy around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its schools, said Jason Drent, associate superintendent of learning services with CESD.
During the board’s recent regularly scheduled meeting held in Innisfail, trustees instructed administration to develop the policy, which will likely be adopted for the 2024-25 school year.
Artificial intelligence is the use of computers and software to support human-like processes such as learning, data analysis and questioning. It is also sometimes called machine learning.
“AI has quite quickly become quite the buzzword in society in general, but also in our context of kindergarten to Grade 12,” said Drent. “We all recognize that AI has a transformational potential in enhancing learning. AI will enhance K to 12 education and we really need to think differently about how we assess our students.
“It’s always important for us to examine where we are at and then move forward with a supportive structure to ensure that our educators, our schools have an understanding of the benefits of and some direction in how to use AI as positively and supportively as possible.”
AI is increasingly being used in educational institutions everywhere, he noted.
“It is going to support efficiencies in grading and feedback, and it is going to help with data incites and encourage accessibility for students,” he said
“I kind of look at it in the same way that the calculator and then the graphing calculator shifted practice in the mathematics classroom. Specifically it is really shifting what assessment practice looks like, the way we assess how a student is learning and how we can support next steps.
“More of that assessment work is happening the classroom, where teachers can support students, to really have them showcase what they really know.”
Work on developing the new AI policy will take place over the next few months, he said, noting teachers, administrators, and other education partners will be consulted.
Once developed the policy would have to be approved by the board to be implemented.
