REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Teaching and Learning Report

To: Michael Green

From: Asha Riley

Date: January 19, 2024

Re: Teaching and Learning Report

OSPI Issues Guidance on Human-Centered AI

Over the past decade, we’ve been intentional about helping our students be careful consumers in this digital world through digital literacy efforts. This week, OSPI released guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. In short, the approach is similar: digital citizenship requires students to be critical thinkers and savvy consumers of information. The framework set forth by Superintendent Reykdal also centers on human inquiry and using AI as a tool to enhance learning while being aware of its liabilities and limitations. 

Just as the internet has revolutionized learning in many ways, AI is expected to have a similar impact. Recognizing this new technology is becoming more prominent, the guidance aims to equip students to be at the forefront of innovation, enabling them to understand and shape the technology that is increasingly becoming a part of their lives, and schools across Washington are already pioneering efforts to integrate AI into the learning environment. 

The framework models the importance of developing critical thinking skills by embracing a human-centered approach. The model requires AI to start with human inquiry and end with human insights. A human-centered AI learning environment is one that prioritizes the needs, abilities, and experiences of students, educators, and administrators.

I’ve attached the full framework for your review and included this brief synopsis below.

An educational leader can support a human-centered learning environment by considering the following:

• Developing students’ AI literacy by helping them understand the concepts, applications, and implications of AI in various domains, and empowering them to use AI as a tool for learning and problem-solving. 
• Ensuring ethical, equitable, and safe use of AI by protecting the privacy and security of data, addressing potential biases and harms, and promoting digital citizenship and responsibility.
• Providing professional development and support for educators by helping them integrate AI into their pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment, and by facilitating their collaboration and innovation with AI.
• Applying human-centered design principles to the development and implementation of AI solutions, such as involving stakeholders in the design process, testing and iterating the solutions, and evaluating the impact and outcomes.
• Aligning AI solutions with the best practices and principles of learning, such as supporting learner agency, fostering collaboration, enhancing feedback, and promoting critical thinking.