FAQ's

1. Machine Learning is based on teaching a system to analyze data, learn from it, and make informed decisions or predictions.

2. In Generative AI such as Gemini, the system adheres to underlying patterns while creating something new. So, it not only recognizes patterns but can also generate new content that mimics the data on which it was trained.

3. Deep Learning is a special kind of machine learning that uses many layers to learn complex things. It processes data in a way that is inspired by the human brain.

Generative AI tools use artificial intelligence to generate new content like text, images, audio, video, and computer code based on the input or prompts provided by the user. When given a prompt, the AI model predicts the next word, pixel, or other output based on its training data and the context, resulting in an original output each time. (Adapted from https://go.ncdpi.gov/AI_Guidelines)

Everyday examples include:

•  Personalized recommendations on streaming services
• Social media content algorithms
• Online translation services
• AI-powered assistants like Google Gemini and ChatGPT
• AI-powered creative tools like Adobe Express and Canva 

For more information, watch this video.

Generative AI is another Educational Technology (EdTech) tool that we can use to enhance learning. Other EdTech tools include many of our personalized learning software applications like Dreambox, Aleks, Lexia, Canvas, etc.

Our goal is to use Generative AI to enhance the educational experience, not replace teachers or human interaction. 

AI uses in education include: 

• Personalized Learning:
  1. AI can help tailor lessons to individual student needs and learning styles, enhancing engagement and understanding. For example, a student who needs more practice with learning algebra can ask AI for additional practice problems and then find out if their answers are correct right away.
  2. AI can help track progress in real time, providing assessment and feedback to improve academic achievement. For example, a teacher can use AI to review a student’s work over the course of a semester quickly and identify the next steps for academic interventions.

  3. Generative AI can help students develop stronger research skills and enhance creativity. For example, because AI can synthesize vast amounts of information quickly, students can explore a topic in more depth. Or, a student group can use AI to brainstorm ideas and find inspiration for a new project.

• Administrative Efficiency:

  1. AI can help streamline processes and enhance communication with stakeholders. For example, teachers can use AI to generate practice problems or create feedback rubrics, freeing up valuable time for more one-on-one interaction.

  2. AI can help support data-driven decision-making and improve how we use resources and plan strategically.

• Now that Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini exist, our students are already using them. Generative AI is advancing extremely rapidly, with new iterations and capabilities being released frequently, often within months of each other, making it one of the fastest-evolving technologies in recent history; some experts even compare its development speed to being "millions of times faster" than human evolution.  
• It is our goal to proactively guide students toward responsible and ethical AI use under the supervision of trained educators.
• Our vision is for secondary students in Winchester to be "light years" ahead compared to their peers with the use and understanding of Generative AI.  AI education will prepare our students for the complexities of tomorrow so they can thrive in the workplace and in their communities.
• By utilizing Google Gemini during the school day and providing access to Gemini on their issued Chromebooks, we can ensure equitable access to an AI tool for all WPS high school students. 

• WPS chose to use Google Gemini’s generative AI because it is a supported core service within the Google Workspace for Education suite, which WPS has utilized for many years. Google Gemini has a version specifically designed for education, with "guardrails" in place for ages 13 and older. This education-specific version of Gemini ensures privacy, and the data used within the tool will not be reviewed by humans or used to train their learning model. Because of these age limit requirements, Gemini will be launched for grades 9-12. 
• Students will have 24 hours of "AI experiences" by the end of the spring semester through twelve, 2-hour educational sessions in their core classes. Lessons will focus on using AI to explore, engage, and evolve.

• Using AI isn’t automatically cheating. Like any tool, it’s how it’s used that matters. For instance, using AI to get answers for a test or to write your essay is cheating. However, using it to get feedback on a draft of an essay is more like asking for help from a tutor. Or, using it as a “thought partner” can help get the creative juices flowing when you need an idea for a project. Teaching kids to use AI responsibly is key. We will teach students to understand that AI is not a way to avoid learning; it is a tool to help them learn while increasing their efficiency and creativity.
• Teachers should be explicit about when and if students can use AI. Students should engage in critical thinking and learning and should not overuse AI.

• • This stoplight visual shows various ways AI might be integrated into an assignment. 

• The responsibility for producing original work lies with the individual student.
• Generative AI should always be cited when a person paraphrases, quotes, or incorporates the generated content (whether text, image, data, or other) into their work.

• •  WPS Guidance for Citing Use of AI 

• No, AI is not a replacement for teachers. It’s a tool that teachers use to support and enhance instruction, manage repetitive tasks, and personalize learning. Human connection, critical thinking, and teaching remain at the core of our approach, with teachers guiding and overseeing all AI-supported activities.
• Teachers have spent considerable time during the 24-25 school year participating in professional development specifically geared toward generative AI. Teachers have been completing lessons provided by Google and CommonSense Education to get a foundational knowledge base of understanding Gemini and other Generative AI tools. Topics have focused on ethical use, data privacy and security, ideas for redesigning lessons with the use of generative AI in mind, and more. 

• AI must be used carefully to empower learners to explore while also addressing privacy, bias, and the importance of critical thinking.

• The WPS Guiding Principles for Artificial Intelligence promote AI literacy, ensure equitable access, maintain data privacy and security, and uphold academic integrity. These principles guide our decisions and processes.

  • WPS Guiding Principles 

• Educators and students receive training on integrating AI in ways that are responsible and ethical.

• Google Gemini is a core service within the Google Workspace for Education suite. When users 13+ access the tool with their school email account, the data is protected and certain privacy protections are in place to ensure the data is not viewed by humans and not used to train their AI learning model. It’s important to recognize that there are MANY free AI tools and apps and you should take caution using them as the majority of these tools do not provide data and privacy protections. 
•  When parents/guardians review and sign the Acceptable Use Policy and Technology Use Guidelines during the new student enrollment process or the annual student verification process, they acknowledge/consent that WPS provides a variety of online EdTech resources that their students will use in the learning process.
  • • Updated Technology Use Guidelines 

We are mindful of screen time and balance AI use with hands-on, interactive, and offline learning experiences. AI tools are used selectively to support specific goals, ensuring that screen time is purposeful and aligned with learning outcomes.

Our AI tools are chosen to support state and national curriculum standards, enhancing instruction without replacing it. Teachers plan activities to meet standards, and AI serves as a supplemental resource to reinforce key skills and concepts.

• As a parent, you play an important role in helping your child use AI responsibly. Here are some tips: 
• • Talk to your child’s teachers: Find out how AI is being used in the classroom and how you can support it at home.

• • Learn about AI together: Explore AI tools and resources with your child.

• • Encourage critical thinking: Help your child understand that AI is just a tool and that it’s important to think critically about the information it provides.

• • Set boundaries: Establish rules about how and when your child can use AI tools.

You can contact your student’s teacher if you have questions or concerns.