Some readers may remember the interview question related to “Tell us how you are a lifelong learner.” It is asked in different ways nowadays, perhaps, but the core message is still that.
“How are you, as an educator, keeping up with what is going in the world around you?”
There’s a new star in town…
Enter AI
As educators, we are always learning. We learn to understand new concepts, and upgrade our skills and knowledge so that we can engage with the world around us. Primarily, we are lifelong learners because we are deeply committed to our students’ learning outcomes and well-being. Educators invest a lot of time outside our paid work hours to learn so we can bring our best selves to our classrooms for our students. In our busy lives, there is limited time to attend webinars and if there are symposia as most of these are paid events. Also, when learning opportunities are offered by school boards everyone cannot attend as openings are limited. So, one or two people can go from one school maybe.
Moreover, as critical thinkers, we would like to consider more than one source of information to deepen our learning. What is shared on the social media group and on a quick or prolonged scrolling session would not be the answer to our information needs.
ETFO’s Professional Relations Services
In October 2024, ETFO’s PRS published Artificial Intelligence in Education: Advice for Members which is a valuable resource that considers the key aspects of AI and it does so from the standpoint of our work responsibilities towards our students and ourselves.
Some Key Points
- ETFO’s Professional Advisory speaks of the federal government’s The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) a document that does not include any explicit provisions to address the challenges that the use of AI systems in public education present, although this document acknowledges that “information of minors is considered to be sensitive.
- This advisory document from ETFO states that school board “could have access to all the user data which can then be used to develop performance metrics for their employees”
Responsible Digital Citizenship
Although I trust that readers will access the PRS Matters document (also linked at the end of this piece), I want to share a few key points from this section as well.
- Members are reminded “to refer to and follow the direction of their school board’s list of approved resources and digital tools to use with students.”
- If there is no such list, then members “should seek approval from their principal/supervisor prior to using a specific resource.”
- Use professional judgement (resources accessible through the Members Secure Site by logging in) when you determine if, and when AI tools can be used to support learning and teaching.
- Always cite and attribute accurate credit to the original sources used including those generated using AI.
- Ensure that the AI tool that you are planning to use is in alignment with the Ontario curriculum and instructional approaches.
Gist of the Matter
What stands out for me, as the gist of this document in addition to all the important information :
- While Artificial Intelligence (AI) can provide valuable support in education, AI tools should be viewed as complements to human processes not replacements” (my emphasis).
- “To be proactive, ETFO members should exercise caution while selecting and utilizing AI technology and contact their local if they have questions on their school board’s policy on the use of AI tools”
- Training is essential so that members learn how to examine tools for bias and inequities.
Being critical consumers of information related to new learning such as AI is crucial for all of us. It is therefore important that educators are consulted and involved in the selection and evaluation of AI tools and in developing literacy related to this new learning, as well as guidelines and policies around it.
The PRS matters document also highlights that “there should be a diversity of lived experiences among the people being consulted in the selection and evaluation of AI tools”
Please read this document , share it with other members and implement the guidelines therein.
In my next piece, I may discuss Education International’s research paper mentioned in the current publication.
With You, In Solidarity.
Rashmee Karnad-Jani
