Educators need personalized professional development that is dedicated to understanding and practically implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy.
Over 50% of teachers report that lack of training and support is one of the biggest obstacles to AI implementation in the classroom. Educators understand that AI is changing the classroom paradigm, but many are unsure how to navigate these changes. Administrators need to make AI PD a priority.
However, there is a gap between stated policy and practical use of AI in the classroom. Explicit understanding of AI policy and first-hand experience with AI will benefit teachers and students. Additionally, you need to anticipate technological changes effectively.
So, how will you ensure practical and ethical use of AI in your district or school?
How will you teach your students to think critically about AI if you don’t have a decent grasp of the technology’s capabilities?
This post explores AI policy and why educators need more than a list of guidelines to thrive in an educational climate that is adapting quickly to AI.
Transform Policy into Classroom Practice
You need to have a clear plan to implement AI in the classroom. Students and staff already use AI every day; learn how to utilize it ethically and effectively. Ready to implement your AI policy?
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Many educators are still resistant to the idea of using AI. AI often seems like an obstacle to learning. Educators worldwide have observed that an increase in student use of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to complete assignments posing a threat to academic integrity and are concere about the impact these programs will have on learning.
Carnegie Learning reports that 78% of educators were at least somewhat worried about their students cheating using AI. This kind of AI use highlights a gap between the needs of learners and the realities of classroom experiences. AI can actually be a valuable if educators see it as a tool for growth rather than a shortcut. Students will use many different methods for cheating when they don’t understand, feel confident, or have time to complete an assignment.
Though academic integrity is a massive concern, AI has applications beyond using an LLM to write an essay. For example, Socratic AI allows educators to create controlled digital spaces where students can interact meaningfully with lesson material with an AI tutor interface as a guide.
Misunderstanding a tool's practical application or using the wrong tool can lead to frustration and rejection of AI as a whole. Tools like Socratic are changing the paradigm. They place the control with the educator and emphasize ethical use and student safety. These tools offer greater benefits and practical uses than widely available commercial LLMs.
Additionally, educators understand that human contact is necessary for impactful learning. However, many don’t understand how they can use AI to improve human-based learning.
That is why it is essential to have an AI that outlines the tools that are the most productive and ethical and considers the needs of staff, educators and students.
Why is AI Policy Important?
You may never have intended to use AI, but you have interacted with it. Maybe your students used to complete an assignment or a coworker used AI to generate a slide deck for a presentation, or perhaps a friend sent you an AI-generated post on social media.
AI is everywhere, and you need a policy for it, even if you never intend to use it. On top of that, there have been so many new developments in AI that it is more important than ever to adopt a comprehensive, flexible AI guidance.
What Makes Good AI Policy
Policies like acceptable use are no longer applicable to the way students interact with information. AI demands a new style of guidance. Educators need professional development with a clear vision and practical methods of AI implementation.
AI policy is not about clarifying the dos and don’ts; it needs to take into account the ongoing developments in AI technology and how they will affect the culture of learning. Educators need to understand the technology to make autonomous decisions about when and where to use AI in the classroom.
Policies should address educators' concerns, like:
- Cheating
- Privacy
- Feedback
Administrators need to ensure that educators and staff comprehend policy, why it is important, and how it is relevant to their teaching practice.
Is AI Policy Enough?
Well-drafted and adaptive policy is the first step, but educators need meaningful examples of AI use. A district could have the perfect policy and still have educators who are resistant to using AI in their practice. There is a gap between policy and implementation.
How Can Banyan Help?
However, just because your school or district has AI guidance doesn’t mean you are prepared to implement it.
Banyan offers personalized, practical, and proven AI professional development for educators who are serious about improving their teaching practice. AI offers amazing tools that do not replace teachers but rather unlock the full potential of each lesson for each student.
Banyan’s professional development was engendered by educators with decades of experience. We not only understand the risks, but we anticipate them because we understand the chaos of the classroom. Stay relevant with your teaching practice and download the free AI Policy Implementation Checklist.
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For more in-depth discussions on these topics, check out our latest podcast where we dive into the real-world applications and cultural impact of AI in education.
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