ST. PAUL – How should students and staff use artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom? That’s a question St. Paul Education hopes to answer as it develops guiding principles regarding the use of AI within its schools.
On April 9, St. Paul Education’s board of trustees approved administration to survey students and parents on their perspectives when it comes to the effective use of AI.
Artificial intelligence, such as generative AI, is already commonplace in society, acknowledged Peter Barron, superintendent at St. Paul Education. “It’s everywhere. It’s ubiquitous,” he said, even in schools and classrooms.
“We know students are using AI . . . so we want to just provide them with guidance on our expectations around AI and what that looks like,” he said.
But to do so requires transparency. “We have a responsibility, I believe, to help students be transparent about their use of AI rather than something they want to hide away,” he said.
“So, let’s talk about it. Let’s get it out in the open,” noted Barron.
Asked if he believes AI offers more danger than benefits, Barron said he believes the benefits outweigh the disadvantages - given, of course, that the user understands what they are doing.
“There are potential dangers . . . potential misuse . . . but we want to be straightforward with students in terms of how [they are] using AI,” he said.
Barron also believes there could be opportunities to creatively use AI for instructional purposes. He said St. Paul Education’s innovative consultant is working with staff on how they can effectively use AI.
“So, what we’re looking at now is having policies in place,” he said.
