Updates for Staff Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As more Barrington 220 staff members are exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in their workflow, effective uses and potential pitfalls become increasingly important topics to consider. Tools such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are powerful, but far from perfect. Further, the wave of newly released GenAI tools for educators may be challenging to navigate. 

Some Potential Opportunities:

• Support students with disabilities through Assistive Technology (AT)
• Support multilingual students
• Improve speed and accuracy in data analysis
• Find, choose, generate, and/or adapt learning materials to fit diverse student needs
• Provide opportunities for student and teacher creativity
• Improve personalization of content, assessment, and feedback
• Increase efficiency and quality of student and staff workflow

Some Potential Challenges:

• Data privacy and security risks
• Output from generative AI can be inappropriate or wrong
• Output from generative AI can be biased
• Students may represent AI-generated work as their own
• AI-generated content is not yet reliably detectable

Barrington 220 is committed to the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI to improve teaching and learning. While we encourage staff to use AI in their workflow, it is essential to be mindful of practices that will ensure your use of AI is both safe and productive. 

Guidelines for Effective AI Use

1. Think of AI as a copilot, not a replacement. AI is meant to make your work easier and more efficient, not to do your work for you. Use AI-generated outputs as a starting point, but add your voice, context, and original thoughts.
2. Don’t outsource your thinking and judgment. AI is not "thinking;" it is using predictive algorithms to produce what you ask for. AI cannot replace your creative thoughts, judgments, or thinking. AI should not be used to make decisions or value judgments.
3. Check for bias and accuracy. AI can produce inaccurate or biased output. You should proofread and edit any outputs you plan to use in your writing. 
4. Edit and revise AI-generated writing. You have a distinct voice when you write. Whether you know it or not, other people can pick up on it. When using AI-generated text, it’s not likely that it will sound like you. Be sure to edit, revise, and “make it yours” when using AI-generated text. 
5. Know the limits. Most AI platforms' training information is about one year old and does not include current facts and data. Consider this when prompting AI.
6. Protect privacy. Avoid using personal student details and personally identifiable information unless you know for sure our district has a SOPPA agreement in place with the platform you are using. 
7. Teachers are responsible for assigning grades. AI should not be used to grade student work. It is appropriate to generate feedback, suggestions for improvement, and gather data, but AI should not be used to assign a grade. Even in cases of computer-automated scoring, it is the teacher who ultimately determines the grade. The teacher should check computer-generated scores and is responsible for inaccuracies.

Tools Supported by Barrington 220

While there are many choices for GenAI, the Department of Technology and Innovation currently supports access to the following tools:

• Google Gemini can be accessed using your district Google credentials. It is a free and open-source GenAI tool that generates text, images, and custom web searches. 
• Brisk Teaching is a Chrome extension that works within the Google Workspace platforms, such as Google Docs and Google Slides, to help create materials and give feedback. Brisk offers a free or paid version which unlocks more features. 
• MagicSchool is an AI-powered platform designed to assist teachers in various tasks. It offers features like lesson plan generation, differentiated instruction support, assessment creation, and streamlined communication tools.
• Canva offers new AI features in their suite of graphic design tools that include text-to-image generation (turning written descriptions into visuals), magic editing tools for quick modifications, background removal, and even AI-powered assistance for writing and presentations.
• Padlet has AI features that focus on content generation:
• Magic Padlet: This tool helps you brainstorm and create structured Padlets from a simple prompt. It can generate lists, timelines, summaries, and more.
• "I can't draw:" This feature lets you turn brief text descriptions into AI-generated images, perfect for adding visuals to your Padlets.
• Adobe Firefly is a generative AI system for graphics and images. Its primary features include:
• Text-to-Image: Transform written descriptions into images with the ability to specify artistic styles, moods, and other creative control elements.
• Generative Fill: Easily remove or add objects to existing images, filling in the space with AI-generated content that seamlessly blends with the original.
• Text Effects: Create text treatments by applying AI-powered effects based on descriptive prompts (e.g., "fluffy clouds," "metallic sheen")

Staff members interested in learning more about generative AI in their workflow are encouraged to see their LTAs for support.