Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guiding Philosophy for Educator and Learner Use
At Owasso Public Schools, we recognize the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform education and empower educators and learners. We are committed to leveraging AI technologies responsibly, ethically, and transparently. Our AI philosophy outlines our principles and guidelines for the use of AI in our school district, emphasizing the importance of human-centered education and maintaining the highest standards of privacy, equity, and inclusivity.
1. Human-Centered Education:
We believe that AI should serve as a tool to enhance and augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Educators play a vital role in the learning process, and AI should be used to support their expertise, enable personalized instruction, and provide valuable insights. We emphasize the importance of maintaining a student-centric approach, where AI technologies are employed to facilitate individualized learning experiences and nurture the unique talents, interests, and needs of every learner.
2. Ethical and Responsible AI Use:
We are committed to using AI technologies ethically and responsibly. We ensure that AI systems used in our school district are designed, developed, and deployed in alignment with ethical guidelines, legal requirements, and best practices. We evaluate and monitor AI algorithms for potential biases, discrimination, or unintended consequences, taking prompt action to mitigate any identified issues. Transparent and explainable AI systems are prioritized, enabling educators and learners to understand how AI-based decisions are made.
At OPS, we uphold academic integrity as a cornerstone of meaningful learning. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into educational tools and practices, we emphasize the responsible use of AI by both educators and learners. AI should support creativity, critical thinking, and original work—not replace them. Students are encouraged to use AI thoughtfully and ethically, understanding that learning is a personal journey that requires honesty, effort, and ownership. Educators will guide students in developing digital literacy and integrity as they navigate these emerging technologies.
3. Privacy, Data Security, and Safety:
We are dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and data security of our educators and learners. We adhere to all applicable data protection regulations and implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal information. When utilizing AI technologies, data collection and processing data will be anonymized or pseudonymized whenever possible. We prioritize data minimization, ensuring that only the necessary information is collected and stored.
- Enterprise-Grade Protections: As a Google Workspace for Education Plus district, our version of Gemini comes with additional, enterprise-grade safety protections. This means our students and staff use a service designed specifically for a school environment, which is separate and more secure than the publicly available consumer version.
- District Content Filtering: In addition to Google's safeguards, all access to Gemini on our network is routed through the district's own content filters. This adds a critical layer of protection, aligning with our existing internet safety policies and providing an even more secure experience for our students.
Our goal is not just to provide access, but to teach responsible and ethical use, reinforcing the principles of digital citizenship in the age of AI.
4. Continuous Learning and Improvement:
We recognize that AI technologies are continuously evolving, and we are committed to staying informed about the latest advancements in the field. We provide ongoing professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their AI literacy, enabling them to effectively integrate AI tools into their instructional practices. We encourage feedback from educators, learners, and stakeholders, leveraging their insights to improve the design, implementation, and impact of AI initiatives in our school district.
● Oklahoma State Department of Education Resources:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Learning
- Guidance for AI in Oklahoma K-12 Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learning about AI
- Family Guides
By adhering to these principles and guidelines, Owasso Public Schools aims to harness the power of AI in education responsibly, ensuring that educators and learners are at the center of this transformative journey. We strive to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment where AI technologies support personalized learning experiences, enhance educational outcomes, and foster the development of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills among our learners. Together, we can embrace the potential of AI to shape a brighter future for education.
