YRDSB balances AI risks and opportunities

AI is an ever-evolving topic of debate within education systems. As generative AI continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, it becomes harder to keep it out of learning environments. Many teachers and students alike are leaning on the technology more than ever to assist in their workloads.

York Region District School Board (YRDSB) has released guidelines for educators on incorporating AI technologies into their curriculum. Some guidelines include ensuring personal information is not exposed, using board-approved AI tools, and overseeing and refining AI-generated work.

The Markham Review has reached out to local teacher John Wiskin for his insights and opinions on AI in the classroom.

Wiskin combats AI use in his classrooms by returning to the basics of pencil and paper where applicable. However, the use of AI is critical and impossible to fully ignore for both students and teachers.

“I use it mostly to brainstorm ideas and help with deepening some lessons. It’s very helpful in that way to create a learning environment that will challenge everyone,” Wiskin said. “It also frees up (some) time to give more feedback, help students more in class… so a general help.”

YRDSB also set out guidelines for acceptable use for students, including: proofreading spelling and grammar, brainstorming ideas or topics, studying with AI acting as a tutor, creating study notes, and organizing research or notes.

For more information on AI in YRDSB, visit yrdsb.ca.