Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is when a computer or a machine can do things that are usually done by humans, like talking, seeing, or solving problems. AI can learn from data or experiences and make decisions based on what it learns.

Generative AI uses natural language to understand what humans want and to create text that is similar to what humans write. For example, a generative AI program can look at many news articles and then write its own article that sounds like a real one. Generative AI can use natural language for many purposes, such as answering questions, summarizing texts, or generating stories.

• Keynote speakers at the yearly BLAST tech training focused on the promise of AI in recent years.
• Multiple AI sessions were offered for teachers at BLAST led by SVSD staff who have used AI for teaching and learning.
• Monthly meetings of Digital Learning Leaders focused on learning about and implementing AI in the classroom.
• AI Explorers 4-week sessions offered for secondary and elementary teachers, administrators, and office staff with a focus on evaluating AI output and using AI for communication and productivity.

Stand-alone generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot and Google Bard are only accessible on SVSD devices by students in 8th grade and above due to terms of service restrictions and privacy concerns for students under the age of 13.

However, some digital learning tools used in SVSD have built-in AI functionality that is available to all students, regardless of age. For example, Canva, a web based graphic design tool, makes it easy to generate images using AI simply by describing the desired result in natural language.

SVSD adheres to a Digital Resource Request process which requires staff to submit information to a team consisting of subject matter experts from Technology, Teaching and Learning, and Student Services departments who vet the tools for privacy concerns, connection to approved curricula and integration with existing SVSD technology.

Innovative educators  in SVSD are using AI to enhance teaching and learning in some of the following ways:

• Supplementing lessons with additional activities
• Creating quizzes
• Generating rubrics
• Providing feedback on student work
• Teaching about AI itself

SVSD staff are using AI to improve productivity in some of the following ways:

• Summarizing reports
• Creating images for presentations
• Composing emails
• Generating help documentation
• Writing strategic objectives