Fort St. John School District Sets Guidelines for AI Use

Students and teachers in Fort St. John, British Columbia, are set to follow new guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. School District 60 trustees approved these guidelines on October 16, 2023, allowing the use of approved AI tools under the supervision of teachers. The guidelines emphasize adherence to school conduct codes and prohibit the sharing of personal information.

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Petrucci acknowledged that while students are already utilizing AI, the school district aims to understand the extent of this usage outside the classroom. He stated, “AI is here, and we just want to be proactive about it.” The district has collaborated with the provincial government and other school districts, notably in the Lower Mainland, to develop these guidelines over the past year. In 2024, the province issued resources to assist schools in creating policies for the “ethical, responsible, and safe use” of AI technology.

Guidelines Focus on Safety and Clarity

While School District 60 has not yet integrated AI into direct teaching practices, questions about assessment and student work have emerged. Petrucci described the guidelines as “guardrails” that provide clarity for both students and teachers regarding acceptable use. The primary aim is to embrace AI constructively rather than framing it as merely a tool for cheating.

Petrucci emphasized the importance of safety as the starting point for these guidelines. Key regulations include the prohibition of personal information in AI prompts, the need for users to verify the accuracy of AI-generated content, and a respect for Indigenous knowledge, which may not be accurately represented by AI. The guidelines also encourage using AI to promote inclusion within the classroom.

Students will be permitted to use district-approved AI tools such as Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, which have already been made available to school administrators and teacher leaders. Petrucci anticipates that these programs will be rolled out district-wide to staff and then to students within the next year, following adequate training and support.

Community Engagement and Parental Concerns

Board Chair Helen Gilbert noted that efforts are ongoing to establish best practices for AI training and learning. She highlighted that parents have expressed a desire for clear rules regarding AI use, particularly concerning safety. “They want kids to be safe,” Gilbert remarked, underscoring the importance of responsible usage to prevent tracking and privacy issues.

Outgoing trustee Thomas Whitton, a father of four, pointed out the omnipresence of AI in everyday life, even if many do not realize it. “When they say, ‘Hey, Google,’ or ‘Hey, Alexa,’ they’re talking to artificial intelligence,” he observed. Whitton believes that while his family does not use AI for homework, it can be a valuable educational tool if students learn to use it responsibly. He advocates for providing guidance both at home and within the school district to ensure students manage their digital footprints effectively.

The introduction of these guidelines in Fort St. John reflects a broader trend in education as schools adapt to the evolving role of technology. With AI becoming an integral part of daily life, the efforts by School District 60 represent a proactive approach to harness its potential while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students.