Artificial Intelligence Policy — Upper School Parent and Student Handbook 2024-2025

Darlington School's Upper School handbook sets rules for student AI use — teacher-permission required, full attribution, no deepfake impersonation, and misuse handled under the code of conduct.

Darlington School — Upper School Parent and Student Handbook 2024-2025 — Technology Acceptable Use Policies — Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Introduction. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, including education. At Darlington School, we recognize the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for a future where AI will be an integral part of many careers. However, it is essential to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically within our school community. This policy outlines the guidelines for the use of AI by students.

Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to: provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of AI tools; encourage responsible and ethical use of AI; prevent misuse of AI in ways that could undermine academic integrity or personal privacy; and foster an environment where students can learn about and explore AI technologies in a safe and constructive manner.

Definitions. Artificial Intelligence (AI): systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the information they collect. AI Tools: software or applications that use AI to perform tasks such as generating text, analyzing data, or recognizing images. Deepfakes: photos, videos or audio recordings that use artificial intelligence to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something that is not real.

Guidelines for AI Use. Educational Use: AI tools should complement and enhance learning; students may use AI for research, problem-solving, and as a supplement to their studies, provided use is transparent and properly attributed; students should only use AI with explicit permission from their teachers; deepfake technology may be explored for educational purposes under teacher supervision and with clear ethical guidelines. Academic Integrity: any use of AI must comply with the school's academic integrity policies; plagiarism, cheating, or any dishonesty facilitated by AI is strictly prohibited; students must clearly distinguish original work from AI-generated content and provide proper attribution. Privacy and Data Protection: students must not use AI or deepfake technology to collect, share, or disseminate personal information without consent; AI tools that analyze or process personal data may only be used with explicit permission from the individuals involved. Ethical Use: use of deepfake technology to impersonate others without consent is not allowed; AI should be used ethically, respecting the rights and dignity of others; students should engage in discussions about the ethical implications of AI and be aware of biases and limitations. Supervision and Monitoring: teachers and staff will provide guidance and monitor student AI use; misuse of deepfake technology must be reported immediately to school administration; misuse of AI tools is subject to disciplinary action per the school's code of conduct, and in certain circumstances law enforcement may be notified.

Implementation. Training and Resources: teachers participate in professional development focused on AI and its educational applications, enabling them to support students in responsibly navigating AI tools, understanding biases, and protecting data privacy; the school offers training sessions and resources to help students understand AI applications, benefits, and risks; workshops and seminars on ethical AI use and data privacy support ongoing educational development. Support and Reporting: teachers facilitate classroom and advisory conversations on responsible AI use to cultivate awareness, accountability, and informed decision-making; students are encouraged to seek help from teachers, technology staff, or administrators when uncertain about proper use or ethical dilemmas; any concerns or incidents involving AI misuse should be reported to a member of the faculty.

Conclusion. The integration of AI in education offers exciting opportunities for innovation and learning. By adhering to this policy, students at Darlington School will be able to explore and utilize AI responsibly, ensuring that it contributes positively to their educational journey and personal growth. The policy aligns with NAIS recommendations emphasizing the ethical implications of AI, professional development for teachers, and fostering discussions about AI's impact on education and society.