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AI Tools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for SPS Students

AI tools are available for student and staff use in Seattle Public Schools (SPS).

Common Tools with AI Available on SPS Devices

Below is a list of common digital tools or applications that are available on SPS devices.

Microsoft 365 Suite

Adobe Express and Photoshop: Adobe Firefly

Canva: Magic Write, Magic Design, Image Generator, Photo Editor

MagicSchool AI education-focused AI for staff and students: Read more about MagicSchool AI on the Common Sense Education website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is artificial intelligence? 
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with humans. While AI has been around for decades, interest increased when ChatGPT was made available to the public in fall 2022. 

How is AI currently being used in digital tools and applications? 
Many digital tools and applications are already using AI embedded in their existing features. There are many common digital tools and applications that feature AI that may not be recommended for students by Seattle Public Schools.

What is generative AI and how can it be used? 
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can produce various types of content, including text, images and audio. ChatGPT is an example of generative AI that creates content based on receiving a prompt from someone using the program. For more information, read this article on the Definition of Generative AI.

When and why did SPS unblock ChatGPT access for staff and students? 
SPS has never blocked ChatGPT on staff devices.

Fall 2023, SPS opened ChatGPT on SPS student devices. This decision ensures our students have access to this transformative technology. SPS is engaged in conversations to formulate a comprehensive plan for integrating AI into our district’s educational framework. Within this plan, we will offer specific tools and guidance for our students. 

What guidelines and resources does SPS have for staff? 
SPS offers professional development for staff along with curated resources and recommended AI tools. We have guidelines for AI use for staff, including recommendations for academic integrity and ethical use of AI. Digital Citizenship curriculum includes AI literacy lessons. More information about AI literacy lessons are on the Common Sense Education website.

What resources does SPS have for families? 
Common Sense Media offers many resources and information for parents and families. 

About SPS’s Use of AI Tools

These AI tools reflect SPS’s commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students while prioritizing student well-being, privacy, and security. We follow OSPI’s guidance that “uses of AI should always start with human inquiry and always end with human reflection, human insight, and human empowerment.” 

By centering student learning, AI applications can offer diverse opportunities for students to seek assistance, brainstorm ideas, and actively engage in their educational journey. Similar to other internet resources, AI tools can serve as valuable supports for students to demonstrate their understanding across various subjects. 

AI tools present powerful resources for staff to automate routine and repetitive tasks, enabling educators to dedicate more time to impactful instruction and building meaningful relationships with students. This aligns with the insights provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s report on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning, emphasizing examples such “handling low-level details to ease teaching burdens and increase focus on students.” 

While we embrace the potential benefits of AI tools, we also recognize the importance of acknowledging their limitations and risks. It is crucial for students and staff to exercise critical thinking skills when evaluating work produced by these tools, as the information provided may be biased, inaccurate, or incomplete.  

As AI in education continues to evolve, SPS remains dedicated to developing resources that guide the ethical and effective use of these applications, all within the framework of safeguarding the privacy and security of our students through adherence to stringent data protection processes.  

We are committed to leveraging AI tools responsibly to provide the best possible learning experiences in SPS for our students. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive and innovative 21st century learning environment.   

Our Guiding AI Principles

In implementing AI tools, SPS is guided by the following principles: 

Be Student-Centered and Human-Centered

Decisions to use AI tools will be based on whether they significantly benefit student learning and if any risks can be adequately mitigated. AI tools can be used to aid learning, provide additional resources, and support research. However, they should not be used when a learning opportunity calls for critical thinking, original idea creation, in-depth understanding, or evaluation.

Demonstrate Transparency

Staff will be explicit in syllabi and assignments about the integration of AI tools into student activities. Learning opportunities should clearly specify which AI tools are allowed (if any) and the purpose for which they should be used. Educators should also be transparent about the role of AI tools in their instruction and/or work and model this for students. 

Practice Academic Integrity

AI tools should not be used to create products to be submitted as a student or educator’s original work unless explicitly allowed for that purpose. Use of AI tools can be seen as analogous to getting assistance from another person or source. Any substantial help from AI tools in completing assignments or exams must be acknowledged and clearly communicated or cited using the correct format.

Cultivate Ethical AI Use and Digital Citizenship

The use of AI tools should not cause harm. Students, educators, and families should be educated on the ethical implications of AI use (e.g., concerns about data privacy, intellectual property rights and copyright, safety, bias in AI, and the potential consequences of over-reliance on AI). Students and staff should recognize and demonstrate an understanding of the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world and use AI in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical.

Protect Privacy and Security

Attention will be given to protecting personal data and ensuring users are aware of risks associated with AI tool usage. All use of AI tools must adhere to privacy policies to protect student data. Any AI tool in use must comply with local and national data privacy laws and regulations.

Mitigate and Identify Bias

Efforts will be made to assess and address any risks of biased information produced by AI tools. Educators should identify how AI can show bias and lack representation. They must review AI use through an actively anti-racist educator lens and discuss these implications with students to identify paths for students to reflect on and address these issues. 

Ensure Equitable Access

AI tools required in courses should be available and accessible to all users, to prevent disparities in learning opportunities and future career-connected learning pathways. Accommodations should be made to ensure equitable access to approved AI tools that support teaching and learning. 

Establish Accountability

Educators and students should always check the information provided by an AI tool for bias and accuracy (invented, missing, or incorrect information). Regardless of AI use, human authors will remain accountable for all content produced.