Overlake Artificial Intelligence Philosophy

Gain an understanding of how Artificial Intelligence is enhancing curriculum, teaching, and student experiences at The Overlake School.

Written By Kelly Vikstrom-Hoyt (Collaborator)

Updated at August 23rd, 2023

“The Overlake School will exemplify a student-centered education and a collaborative learning environment that connects to the broader world.”   ~ Overlake's Vision statement

In following with this vision and the mission and values of the school, Overlake acknowledges that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are in use in education, and has developed this philosophy and guidance for the use of AI within the Overlake Community.

We embrace the fact that AI tools can have significant benefits while, at the same time, potentially hinder student learning. They can be used in exciting and potentially valuable ways to help facilitate and personalize learning, supplement skills, support mental health, and make learning more equitable. Technology is constantly changing; this is just the latest technology tool that redefines what is possible in the classroom with all kinds of benefits alongside new potential downsides and challenges. Per our mission and vision, we embrace a spirit of openness and experimentation while being mindful that some assessments and performance tasks must be designed to ensure that students complete them without using AI tools.

A violation of these expectations may result in restorative and/or disciplinary consequences (e.g. student will work with the teacher create a new assessment). These expectations and consequences will be considered in tandem with Overlake's policies on Academic Integrity

Ethically

  • Adhere to all platform rules and policies, including age limits. 
    • Note that ChatGPT is only for use by those 13 and up. 
    • Remember to check and verify policy and terms of use on any AI platform or tool that you are using.
  • AI may not be used to substitute for, or perform, a specific skill being taught. Don’t use AI to replace a skill you have not yet mastered.
  • The use of AI to create knowingly false information, images, deep fakes, or false likenesses of students, teachers, or other members of the community that could be used to threaten, bully, extort, harass, embarrass, damage the reputation, or intentionally mislead/misinform, are significant infractions and will be treated as such.
  • In line with copyright and responsible use, intellectual property that is not yours may not be shared or uploaded to any AI platform without explicit permission. 

Responsibly

  • Student data, including, but not limited to, full names, emails, or other identifiable information, will not be shared with any AI models, chatbots.
  • AI may be used to enhance learning, but not to substitute for, or unfairly aid, learning.
  • Verify, challenge, and check any output of an AI tool, knowing that the tools are flawed and biased.

Transparently

  • Use of AI tools must be disclosed and cited or acknowledged in every case. See resources at NoodleTools, MLA, Chicago (images), and APA.
  • Teachers should be explicit and clear about when and how AI tools may be used in their course, and on each assignment. 
  • Students should always ask for clarification if expectations and guidelines are not clear to them, not make assumptions. 
  • Teachers may ask students to describe in writing how AI was used (when it is allowed) and what benefit it provided. 

 

AI is Coming to Microsoft Apps…

At some point in the 23-24 school year, Microsoft is likely to integrate its “CoPilot” AI tools into Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. This is going to significantly increase the use of AI by all members of our community and remove barriers such as age limits, website filters, etc. ILT will be sure to communicate these changes as they come.

 

 

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