Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Leander ISD has the potential to transform education. Our position on AI in education is to offer instructive assistance while maintaining a safe and ethical learning environment for each and every student, staff member and stakeholder.
Define AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines or computer systems. It encompasses the development of algorithms, software and hardware that enable computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include problem-solving, learning from experience, reasoning, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
AI systems are designed to process and analyze vast amounts of data, extract meaningful insights, and adapt their behavior based on the information they receive.
Technologies that leverage AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, are applied across various fields and industries to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and create innovative solutions.
Belief Statement
Our commitment to the Leander ISD Guiding Documents shapes our belief and practice. The use of AI by all users in Leander ISD is anchored to and in alignment with the 10 Ethical Principles, the Graduate Profile, and The Leander Way.
AI can be a powerful tool for supporting student learning, but it is important to be mindful of the potential risks.
The use of AI in education should prioritize deeper learning, critical thinking, safety, security of personally identifiable information, and ethical use.
While we acknowledge the benefits of AI in education, we recognize our role as educators in avoiding pitfalls and challenges with AI, such as algorithmic bias.
Recognizing that government and business entities are currently grappling with the advantages and disadvantages of AI, it is essential to take a deliberate and mindful approach when introducing its use in K-12 education.
Guiding Principles
Cybersecurity & Privacy
Leander ISD is committed to using AI applications in accordance with their terms of service and in a manner consistent with local, state, and federal guidelines. With a steadfast commitment to local, state, and federal guidelines, the district extends this promise to all K-12 students, upholding the laws of COPPA and FERPA. Additionally, all staff must follow the protocols for applications that require the permission of parents and guardians for students under the age of 18. For all users, it is important to exercise caution with data shared with any generative AI tool and ensure that tools are approved for use through LISD’s Digital Resource Review Process.
Academic Excellence
We support the integration of AI in the classroom to improve the teaching and learning experience for all members of the LISD community. Productive use of AI in the classroom includes collaboration prior to using AI and transparency between the educator and learner.
Ethical Use of AI
AI tools draw content from diverse sources, occasionally omitting author or source information for that content. AI tools should be used with transparency and appropriately cited as a source.
Biases and Misinformation
AI can only learn from the data from which it is trained and from the prompts it receives. This can perpetuate biases, misinformation and problematic aspects present in the original material. The potential for bias has surfaced in various types of AI software and demonstrates the importance of ensuring AI-generated content is always reviewed, challenged, edited, and appropriately used by humans.
