‘Wild West’: Teachers, experts call for unified policies to address AI in classrooms

Teachers and technology experts are urging the creation of unified policies for artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms to prevent students from falling behind. The rapid pace of AI development, combined with Ottawa's goal to make the technology accessible to all Canadians, demands a consistent framework, according to the experts.

Schools grapple with how to incorporate AI while fostering critical thinking and intellectual honesty. Some schools have embraced digital-forward education, while others struggle to keep up. Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers' Association, notes that there's a lack of consistent policy at the jurisdictional, school board, or government levels, leaving schools to navigate the technology on their own. This leads to inconsistency across the education system.

Michelle Carlos, with the Pembina Trails School Division in Winnipeg, developed AI guidelines after waiting for government guidance. While the division recognizes students can use AI outside of school, it encourages teachers to provide clear instructions on when AI should and shouldn't be used for assignments. Developing AI policy takes time and resources, she says. Schools must balance innovation with risks.

Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba's education minister, says her department is developing guiding principles on AI to help schools make "thoughtful, ethical, and safe decisions." A survey of Canadian teachers found that 49% received training on using AI for lessons, while 63% had no training on instructing students to use AI reasonably.

In British Columbia, the West Vancouver School District is working on guidelines to help students understand the importance of learning struggles and how AI can serve as a "thinking partner." Both educators and experts stress that any policy should consider individual needs and perspectives of parents, community groups, and other stakeholders.

Adam Dubé, an associate professor at McGill University, argues the federal government could play a role in regulating the types of educational products being released and sold in Canada.