Artificial Intelligence Basics
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of a computer or machine to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and more.
AI is no longer science fiction! It is embedded in our everyday lives in the tools we use to make our lives easier and how we communicate with others.
The main tools we use in the district are MagicSchool for teachers and MagicStudent on the student side. MagicStudent is safe and protected and does not collect data on students. It gives students a safe environment to build AI Literacy skills and provides valuable accessibility tools and support for students to build independence.
Resources
Click on the link above to open the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website on artificial intelligence guidance for K-12 public schools. OSPI has put together updated guidance with great resources for integrating AI and AI literacy in educational settings.
Click on the link above to access Battle Ground Public School's adopted AI Student Code of Conduct. This can also be found in our Board Policy under 2023c. It identifies student responsibilities and three AI levels that can be identified for assignments and assessments.
Building AI Literacy is a priority and connects with becoming future ready so students can be adaptable and successful no matter where their future takes them. Click on the link above to access some of the AI Literacy lessons for grades 6-12 through Common Sense Media.
Click on the link above for Google's guide for guardians on artificial intelligence. It gives some basic information and an overview on AI and some tips for discussing AI with students. You can also check out Google's safety tips below.
Check out Google’s 5 Key Safety Tips When Using AI! Working alongside their AI experts and external education experts, Google defined the most important AI safety tips, which have been endorsed by the Family Online Safety Institute and Connect Safely.
Remember, AI is technology – not human. AI is a machine learning model; a tool that humans can use. It can provide a response that’s so unique, it may seem human. But, AI can’t think for itself or feel emotions. It’s just great at picking up patterns. As you use AI tools, it’s important to remember that AI cannot and should not make decisions for you.
Use AI to boost your talents, not replace them. AI can help you understand a difficult concept, conduct thorough research, or kickstart the creative process – but AI is not there to do the work for you. But it is there to help you boost your talents and productivity. For example, you could use AI to help you summarize your research for a video series you’re making or brainstorm ideas for a thematic unit.
Critically evaluate responses. Since generative AI is a work in progress, it can make mistakes – and it may even make things up – which is known as hallucination. Always check information that AI presents as fact. When in doubt, double check it with Google Search.
If something seems off, investigate further. Like every useful technology, there may be people who try to take advantage of AI to deceive or defraud others. For example, they may generate misinformation or fake media, like photos and videos that seem real. Look at the content’s sources and consider the intent of who published it – if something seems unusual, take caution.
Keep private information private. Never enter personally identifiable information, such as your social security number, into generative AI systems. Generative AI products are a work in progress – data like your conversations, feedback, and ratings are used to improve the models that power the product. When in doubt, consider whether you would share this information publicly.
Video Tutorials
What is AI?
Check out the video above for a brief overview on artificial intelligence. This video makes the concepts easier to understand and comes from Common Sense Media's AI Literacy lessons linked in the section above.
Preparing for the Future
AI is already here and has been here for a while (this video was first published all the way back in 2019 and is still more than relevant!) Check out the video above from the association behind our national technology standards that highlights the importance of including AI in education.
How AI Could Save Education
Check out the video above of Sal Khan's Ted Talk on AI in education. Sal is the founder of the Khan Academy and speaks about the positive impact AI can have in education.
Advancing Education with AI
Check out the video above for how Google is thinking about AI to power the future of education.
Bringing Ideas to Life with AI
Check out the inspiring video above for a creative look at how multimodal AI can bring ideas to life in different ways for kids and families as well as in an educational setting.