Digital literacy and the use of AI in education: supports for British Columbia schools

Last updated on July 18, 2024

Image of A.I. framework which considers using AI as a tool for K-12 Schools

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, encompasses the capacity of machines and computer systems to replicate human-like cognitive functions, including learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and utilizing algorithms and data. 

Ethical, responsible, and safe use of AI in K-12 education requires a human-centered approach that prioritizes meaningful learning experiences. The integration of AI, when thoughtfully applied, has the potential to enrich our education system by streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing efficiency, and enabling a dedicated focus on student-centered activities. While AI can act as a supplementary tool and offer enrichment and depth to classroom practices, choices about the use of AI in the classroom are ultimately made by teachers based on the needs of the students.

Education, by its nature, is relational, especially when emphasizing the irreplaceable and integral role of human connections in the learning process. While AI can provide valuable support, ongoing human interaction remains fundamental for fostering meaningful relationships among educators and students, as well as within the school community. Therefore, AI tools should be viewed as complements to human processes.

The materials below have been developed in collaboration with key partners in the B.C. education sector. Materials have been provided to assist school boards, district leaders, school leaders, teachers, and support staff in formulating local procedures and policies. In addition, these materials offer support for teachers in teaching AI concepts and related digital literacy skills in their classrooms. Furthermore, resources have been created for parents and caregivers to enhance their understanding of the role AI may play in their child's education and to outline digital literacy skills that can be cultivated at home if a child is using AI tools. Additionally, student-focused posters have been developed to support responsible and safe use of AI in students’ learning endeavors.

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Materials for school boards, district leaders, school leaders, teachers, and staff

The document "Considerations for Using AI Tools in K-12 Schools" details several factors that should be thoughtfully considered to ensure that districts and schools have local procedures and policies to incorporate AI tools effectively, safely, and equitably.

"AI Terms to Know" is a glossary, in plain language, that has been developed to help support collective learning of emerging terminology, to better aid decision-making. 

 

Materials for teachers

Students should learn about AI, digital literacy, and its applications to support them inside and outside of school. The "Curriculum Connections: Digital Literacy and the Use of AI" document offers links to AI-related learning opportunities embedded in the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) and Career Education curriculum, along with connections to the Core Competencies.

The following AI-related Teaching and Learning Stories were developed by educators working in diverse classrooms across the province. These stories provide concrete examples of how AI-related learning and the development of AI-related digital literacy skills can look in various grades and learning areas.

Three posters, "Infographic on Considerations When Using AI Posters," were developed for teachers to be able to use their classrooms to enhance student learning in the area of AI-related learning and digital literacy skill development.

A two-page informational sheet, "Information for Parents and Caregivers: All About Artificial Intelligence," was created for teachers to be able to send home, offering support to parents and caregivers in understanding the nature of AI and fostering digital literacy skills in their children.

 

Materials for students

 

Materials for parents and caregivers

The "Information for Parents and Caregivers: All About Artificial Intelligence" document equips parents and caregivers with essential information on AI, as well as how to foster digital literacy skills in their children to ensure the responsible, ethical, and safe use of AI tools.

The three "What You Need To Know About AI- Student Posters" provided below offer valuable guidance for students to navigate the responsible, ethical, and safe use of AI tools in their learning.

"AI Terms to Know" is a reader friendly glossary of commonly used AI terms. This document was developed for school leaders and teachers. However, parents and caregivers may also find the information useful.