Louisiana Department of Education AI Guidance

The Louisiana Department of Education provides comprehensive guidance for K-12 schools on the responsible and effective integration of AI, focusing on enhancing learning while addressing ethical concerns and academic integrity.

# Artificial Intelligence in Louisiana Schools ## Guidance for K-12 Schools ### Updated 8.2.24 Fall 2024 * * * TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THIS RESOURCE.....2 Introduction.....2 Vision.....2 Commitment.....2 Guiding Principles.....2 OVERVIEW OF AI.....3 What is AI?.....3 How Does AI Impact Education?.....3 CHALLENGES OF AI IN EDUCATION.....4 Navigating the Ethical Challenges of AI in Education.....4 STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING.....5 Strategies.....5 INTEGRATING AI INTO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION.....6 The SAMR Model: A Model for Effective AI Implementation.....6 LDOE Framework for AI Integration in K-12 Education.....8 SAFEGUARDS FOR AI IN EDUCATION.....9 School System Level.....9 School Building and Classroom Level.....10 TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS.....11 RELEVANT LAWS AND POLICIES.....12 TRAINING AND SUPPORT.....13 RESOURCES.....14 Glossary of Common Terms.....14 AI-Powered Tools for Teachers.....16 REFERENCES.....17 * * * # ABOUT THIS RESOURCE ## INTRODUCTION Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and the complexities it introduces, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has developed this comprehensive guide. AI technologies raise data security and privacy concerns, but they also hold the potential to enhance teaching and learning practices. This guide aims to equip educators, leaders, and families with a foundation for understanding and harnessing the power of AI to improve teaching and learning practices in Louisiana. ## VISION The LDOE envisions a future where AI is a powerful tool to personalize learning, enhance teaching practices, and prepare students for careers. By equipping educators, leaders, and families with a deep understanding of AI, Louisiana schools will lead the nation in leveraging this technology to create safe, engaging, and innovative learning environments. The recommendations in this report offer information to school system leaders, school leaders, teachers and staff members, educational technology innovators, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the use of AI in all schools. ## COMMITMENT The LDOE is committed to empowering all students with the digital literacy skills necessary for the 21st century, preparing them for success in society and future career opportunities. ## GUIDING PRINCIPLES The LDOE has established Guiding Principles to ensure responsible and effective integration of AI technologies in Louisiana’s K-12 classrooms. **• Data Privacy and Security: Robust data privacy and security measures must be in place to protect student** information and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. ### • Ethical Considerations: AI should be used according to ethical principles, including fairness and avoiding potential biases in algorithms and data. ### • Student-Centered Learning: AI should personalize learning experiences, address individual student needs, and promote agency and ownership over learning. ### • Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be transparent and explainable, enabling educators and students to understand how decisions are made and ensuring accountability. ### • Professional Development: Ongoing professional development ensures educators possess the knowledge and skills to integrate AI effectively into their teaching practices. ## Disclaimer This document is not intended to provide nor should it be in any way construed to offer legal advice to the recipients. The information provided in this document is for general information purposes only. It is strongly advised that schools and school districts considering the implementation and use of Artificial Intelligence should consult and work with their respective associated legal counsel in order to obtain legal advice relative to various applicable state and federal laws and regulations and ancillary issues. Assurances should be obtained from legal counsel who have thoroughly examined your proposed program for use of Artificial Intelligence to ensure that it is aligned with all applicable laws and ethical principles. ### ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LOUISIANA SCHOOLS * * * # OVERVIEW OF AI ## WHAT IS AI? AI is a rapidly evolving technology that enables computers and machines to mimic human intelligence and problem-solving abilities. At its core, AI is driven by machine learning, a process that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming. By analyzing vast amounts of data in various formats (text, images, audio, video), machines can identify patterns, make predictions, and solve complex problems. Large Language Models (LLMs) are a particularly sophisticated type of AI. These models can understand, generate, and translate human language, making them capable of creating diverse content such as text, images, and audio. Google Gemini and ChatGPT are prominent examples of generative AI powered by machine learning and LLMs. AI is already deeply integrated into our daily lives, from powering virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalizing recommendations on streaming platforms. In Louisiana classrooms, AI offers the potential to transform education. It can: ### • Personalize learning: Tailor instruction to each student’s unique needs and pace. ### • Increase engagement: Create interactive and immersive learning experiences. ### • Enhance efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, freeing teachers to focus on individualized support. ### • Provide data-driven insights: Analyze student performance to identify areas for improvement. In alignment with the LDOE’s goals, integrating AI into classrooms is a crucial strategy for ensuring access to high-quality education for all learners. By embracing safe and ethical AI practices, Louisiana educators can leverage this technology to improve teaching and learning, providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. ## HOW DOES AI IMPACT EDUCATION? The LDOE recognizes AI’s potential to improve learning across our state. AI in education refers to applying AI techniques to enhance learning and teaching processes. It extends beyond computer science, aiming to leverage machine intelligence to improve educational experiences across various disciplines. This technology does not simply replicate human tasks. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends unseen by educators, allowing for a more impactful learning experience for every student in Louisiana. **However, AI is most effective as a supportive tool that empowers educators rather than serving as a replacement** **for their expertise.** ## A Shared Responsibility: Ensuring Safe Use of AI in Schools AI presents a transformative opportunity for Louisiana’s education system, offering innovative ways to customize learning, streamline tasks, and enrich the classroom experience. However, the integration of AI also introduces new considerations for student safety, especially concerning data privacy and cybersecurity. The LDOE recognizes that ensuring the safe use of AI in schools is a shared responsibility among educators, school leaders, families, students, and other external stakeholders. Through these collective efforts, The LDOE seeks to foster a learning environment where AI is leveraged responsibly to empower Louisiana students. ### ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LOUISIANA SCHOOLS * * * # CHALLENGES OF AI IN EDUCATION ## NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF AI IN EDUCATION The advancement of AI presents new opportunities and complex ethical considerations for Louisiana’s education system. AI can potentially transform the current teaching and learning practices landscape, but its integration raises essential questions about academic integrity and the authenticity of student work. The LDOE aims to navigate these ethical challenges, guiding AI’s responsible and thoughtful integration in Louisiana classrooms. By fostering open dialogue and informed human decision-making, AI can enhance learning while maintaining the rigor and standard