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Ohio recently released this "AI Toolkit: Guidance and Resources to Advance AI Readiness in Ohio's Schools." While this document is specifically targeted towards Ohio schools, it offers invaluable insights and practical guidance applicable to educators in every state.

This toolkit isn't about mandating the use of AI; rather, it's about equipping educators and parents with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education. The toolkit emphasizes a five-step approach to developing sound policies for the safe, effective, and responsible integration of AI in schools.

Beyond this five-step process, the toolkit provides a wealth of resources, including guidelines, checklists, and templates, that educators can adapt and implement in their own contexts.

The five-step approach is a solid foundation, but let's translate this into concrete actions that educators can take right now:

Build a Strong Foundation: Educate Yourself and Your Community

• Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of AI. Resources like aiEDU's "AI 101" offer concise overviews. ISTE's "Bringing AI to School: Tips for School Leaders" provides a great starting point for understanding AI and its implications for education.

• Share your knowledge with colleagues, administrators, and parents. Host workshops or informational sessions to demystify AI and address common concerns. Resources like the "K-12 Generative AI Readiness Checklist" from COSN can be valuable conversation starters.

Engage in Open Dialogue and Collaboration

• Facilitate discussions within your school and district about the potential benefits and risks of AI in education. Draw upon resources like UNESCO's "Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research" to guide these conversations.

• Establish a cross-functional team dedicated to exploring AI integration and developing relevant policies. Include teachers, administrators, IT specialists, parents, school psychologists, and even student representatives. This collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.

Embrace a Culture of Continuous Learning

• Encourage educators to participate in professional development opportunities focused on AI in education.

• Explore and experiment with different AI tools in your work. Start small and gradually integrate AI into your practices.

Prioritize Ethical Considerations and Transparency

• When selecting AI tools, carefully evaluate their potential impact on student privacy, data security, and equity. Draw upon ethical guidelines like those from the European Commission and the White House OSTP to inform your decision-making.

• Be transparent with students and parents about how AI is being used in the classroom. Clearly communicate the purpose of using AI tools and address any potential concerns. Templates like aiEDU's "Letter to Administration" and TeachAI's "Sample Student Agreement on the Use of AI" can be helpful in fostering open communication.

Advocate for Supportive Policies and Infrastructure

• Work with school and district leaders to develop clear policies governing the use of AI in education. These policies should address issues such as data privacy, responsible use, and professional development.

• Advocate for investments in the necessary infrastructure, including reliable internet access, appropriate devices, and technical support.

AI in education is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a present reality. By taking these actionable steps, educators can play a vital role in shaping the future of education and ensuring that AI is used to enhance teaching and learning for all students. Let's embrace the opportunities while thoughtfully addressing the challenges, paving the way for an equitable and innovative future for our students.

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