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Artificial Intelligence

 

SUSD Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence
Resources for Families

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life and the world our students are growing up in. This page helps families understand how AI may be used safely, responsibly, and in ways that support learning.

Family learning together with a laptop

What Is AI?

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is technology that allows computers to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, making predictions, solving problems, creating content, or responding to questions and instructions.

Generative AI (GenAI)

Generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, is a type of AI that creates new content based on patterns learned from existing information. It can produce text, images, audio, video, code, summaries, feedback, and other materials.

AI can be useful, but it can also provide inaccurate, incomplete, or biased information.
Its responses should be reviewed and verified for accuracy.

💡

What AI Can Do

AI tools may help people:

  • Answer questions
  • Summarize information
  • Generate ideas and content
  • Translate languages
  • Organize information
  • Support problem-solving
🌐

AI Is All Around Us

AI is used in many familiar tools:

  • Voice assistants like Siri or Alexa
  • GPS and map directions
  • Video streaming recommendations
  • Online shopping suggestions
  • Photo editing tools
🛡

Important to Remember

AI does not think or understand information like a person. It can make mistakes and should not be treated as an authority.

Students should:
  • Think critically
  • Check information
  • Ask questions
  • Protect personal information
  • Use their own voice

AI in Our Schools

 

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more common in everyday life, we know families may have questions about student learning, safety, academic honesty, and critical thinking. In alignment with our Graduate Profile, our district wants students to build agency, think critically, make responsible decisions, and use AI safely, ethically, and appropriately.

Our district uses Google Workspace for Education to support teaching and learning. Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) and Gemini, which work within this system, are district-approved AI tools for instructional use. Gemini Notebook is available to students for school-related learning. Gemini will not be open or automatically available to all students. Teachers may open access through Linewize Classroom Manager on school devices when the use of Gemini supports a specific lesson or assignment. Students will have access only when a teacher enables it and explains how it may be used.

Linewize is the district’s digital filtering system, and Linewize Classroom Manager helps teachers manage online access during instruction. Any new AI tools must be reviewed and approved by the Curriculum and Instruction Department before they are made available to students.

AI is intended to support learning, not replace a student’s own thinking, reading, writing, problem-solving, or original work. When used appropriately, AI tools may help students brainstorm ideas, ask questions, review concepts, practice skills, organize their thinking, or better understand classroom content.

Teachers will guide students in using AI appropriately, evaluating AI-generated information, and applying their own knowledge and judgment. The district will continue to set clear expectations and share information and resources with families as our practices evolve.

Three Essentials

1

Use Approved Tools

Students and staff should use district-approved instructional and AI tools.

2

Protect Student Information

Personal, private, or identifying information should not be entered into AI tools.

3

Communicate Expectations

Teachers should clearly explain when and how AI may be used for an assignment and when and how AI assistance should be cited.

How AI May Support Learning

AI may help students:

  • Review concepts
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Practice skills
  • Organize work
  • Ask questions
  • Receive feedback

AI tools are intended to support learning, not replace students’ own thinking, effort, and original work.

Academic Integrity

While technology continues to evolve, our expectations for academic integrity remain the same. Students are expected to:

  • Use AI only when permitted
  • Cite AI assistance
  • Demonstrate understanding in their own voice
  • Follow teacher instructions

Spotlight System

×
AI Use Not Permitted
Student use of AI is not allowed.
AI Use Limited
AI may be used only for specific purposes identified by the teacher. Any AI assistance must be cited.
AI Use Permitted
AI may be used on the assignment, following teacher instructions. Any AI assistance must be cited.

Teachers determine the appropriate level of AI use based on the learning goal and assignment.

📖   Digital Literacy, Wellbeing, and AI Literacy Lessons

Digital Literacy and Wellbeing lessons, along with AI Literacy lessons, are used in grades K–12 to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. Topics include healthy habits, privacy & safety, digital footprint & identity, relationships & communication, cyberbullying & online harms, and information & media literacy. Students also develop critical-thinking and decision-making skills that support their wellbeing both online and offline.

Students do not need to use generative AI tools to learn about AI. Through AI literacy lessons, students can develop an understanding of how AI works, recognize its opportunities and limitations, evaluate AI-generated information, and learn about responsible and ethical AI use.

Family Guidance for AI at Home

 

Families play an important role in helping children use technology responsibly, safely, and in ways that support learning.

1

Start a Conversation

  • How did you use AI today?
  • What did you learn?
  • Did AI help you think or provide the answer?
  • How did you check whether the information was accurate?
  • Can you explain the idea in your own words?

Let children know that questions are an important part of learning.

2

Encourage Responsible Use

AI may help students:

  • Brainstorm
  • Review concepts
  • Practice skills
  • Organize information
  • Ask questions

AI should not be used to:

  • Copy answers
  • Complete full assignments
  • Replace effort
  • Mislead others
3

Protect Thinking and Learning

Children still need regular opportunities to read, write, solve problems, practice skills, explain ideas, and think independently.

★   AI should support learning, not replace learning.
4

Discuss Safety and Privacy

Pause. Check. Verify. Ask.

  • Do not share personal information.
  • Be cautious of manipulated images, audio, and video.
  • Verify information using trusted sources.
  • Be aware of scams and misleading content.
  • Ask an adult when something feels suspicious or confusing.
5

Set Family Expectations

  • Ask before using AI for schoolwork.
  • Use AI in shared spaces when possible.
  • Be honest about when AI was used.
  • Balance screen time with offline activities.
  • Follow school and teacher expectations.
6

Keep Communication Open

Let children know:

  • You are learning too
  • Questions are okay
  • Technology changes quickly
  • Responsible choices matter

Resources for Families

 

Explore trusted guides, articles, and videos that can help families understand artificial intelligence and support responsible technology use.

The following resources are provided by Google.

The following resources are provided by Common Sense Media.

Student using a laptop

Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI

A practical overview of generative AI, including potential benefits, concerns, and questions families can discuss.

Read the Guide →
Parent and child exploring artificial intelligence together on a laptop

Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence

Suggestions for exploring new technology with children and encouraging safe, thoughtful use.

Read the Article →
5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Generative AI

A short video with practical advice for starting family conversations about generative AI.

Watch the Video →

Schools and Families Working Together

Students receive the strongest support when schools and families work together. By staying informed and engaged, we can help students use technology wisely while continuing to develop critical thinking, creativity, and responsible decision-making.

Thank you for partnering with us.
Hands representing partnership