Examining AI Matchmaking Methods for Secluded AI Integration Scenarios
In an innovative move to engage students with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the York School Department has established an AI speed-dating lab. The lab, designed to foster a safe, consensual, and educational environment, is aimed at teaching foundational AI concepts in a creative and interactive manner.
The lab consists of ten different stations, each featuring various AI tools. These stations introduce students to diverse aspects of AI, ranging from detecting AI in imagery to creating animation, video, and sounds. The lab's creation was a response to the growing need among sixth-grade teachers to incorporate AI into their classrooms and curriculums.
Eric Lawson, the Director of Technology and Innovation at York School Department, emphasizes the importance of maintaining student privacy and data security. Before introducing any AI tool, a signed student data privacy agreement is required. Lawson and his team are mindful of terms of service for AI tools, particularly for students in the 12 age range.
To ensure the lab adheres to best practices, Lawson's team vetted and learned the AI tools themselves before introducing them to students. Inappropriate prompts were used during staff training to check the output of the AI tools.
The lab is structured to teach AI concepts creatively, such as through coding or simulations where students "interact" with AI-driven avatars or chatbots. The activities align with developmental levels (e.g., ages 13-16) and curriculum goals, as seen in AI labs like Slingshot Innovation Academy’s program.
Informed consent and student autonomy are paramount. Before participation, students and parents are provided with clear explanations about the nature of the AI interactions, data use, and any recordings or data collected. Consent must be freely given and documented, following applicable laws such as FERPA to protect student information and privacy.
Privacy and data safeguards are implemented to secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Data collected during interactions is anonymized or securely destroyed after use, as recommended in educational data privacy policies.
The lab also addresses digital consent and ethical AI use, educating students about the ethical use of AI, including concepts like digital consent, the risks of deepfake technology, and respecting others’ digital identities.
Safety and monitoring are ensured through the presence of trained educators or facilitators to monitor interactions. Clear behavioral guidelines are established, and a protocol to address discomfort or incidents promptly. The lab prioritizes a respectful and non-invasive experience, emphasizing learning and creativity over personal information.
Regular transparency and feedback are encouraged to ensure comfort and continuous improvement of the lab environment. Students are asked to reflect on how AI tools can be used appropriately, save time, enhance learning, and potential risks or concerns.
Enough generic accounts are prepared ahead of time to avoid students accidentally signing in with their personal accounts. Four adults are present during the AI lab to ensure appropriate use and address any technical or output issues.
Parental consent was obtained for some AI tools, and generic accounts were created to ensure no personal information was passed through. A survey was conducted to understand students' AI-related needs and interests, and tools were curated based on those themes.
The AI lab includes tools such as Magic School and School AI, offering diverse AI interactions. By balancing educational innovation with robust protections for student privacy, informed consent, ethical considerations, and an environment that prioritizes safety and respect, the AI speed-dating lab at York School Department is setting a promising example for AI education in schools.
- The lab created by the York School Department, meant for sixth-grade students, is intended to help teachers integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their curriculum.
- Eric Lawson, the Director of Technology and Innovation, ensures that all AI tools used in the lab are vetted and taught to staff before introduction to students for maintaining data privacy and security.
- Informed consent is important for students participating in the lab, and parents are provided with clear explanations about AI interactions, data use, and collected records, following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- By focusing on creativity, safety, ethical AI use, and privacy measures, the AI speed-dating lab at York School Department illustrates a substantial effort in promoting responsible AI education and self-development within schools.
