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Technology for Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As per Administrative Procedure 620, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, by both staff and students in Parkland School Division, is being explored to enhance learning and teaching experiences. 

The information below will briefly explain what AI is, why we're incorporating it into the classroom, and the principles guiding its use.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks usually requiring human intelligence. This includes learning from experience, recognizing patterns, understanding natural language, and making decisions. Examples you might be familiar with include voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, recommendation systems on streaming platforms, and language translation apps.

Generative AI is the part of AI that can learn patterns and relationships and use that information to create new content, such as text, images, music, audio, and videos. This field of AI has grown rapidly over the past few years and continues to evolve. ChatGPT, (Microsoft) Co-Pilot, and (Google) Gemini are examples of generative AI tools.
In Parkland School Division, the term AI refers to all aspects of artificial intelligence, including generative AI.

Why AI in the Classroom?

Incorporating age-appropriate AI into education offers several benefits for both students and staff:

  • Lesson Planning: with AI generates new resources, customizes content for diverse student needs, and frees up time for teachers to focus on instruction and student engagement.
  • Assessment and Evaluation: AI can be used for quick and accurate grading of multiple-choice questions, while also offering in-depth feedback (based on teacher input) for written assignments.
  • Studying and Tutoring Support: AI can design activities for students who need additional practice in a subject area or even enrichment activities for advanced students.
  • Creativity: AI allows students to explore new ways of expressing their ideas. 
  • Accessibility: AI can adapt lessons to fit individual students’ needs, assist with reading and writing.
  • Time-Saving: by quickly generating tailored materials, reducing the need for manual content creation and repetitive administrative tasks.
  • Future Readiness: Familiarity with AI prepares students for a world where technology plays an ever-increasing role.

Our Guiding Principles

To ensure AI benefits all students, we follow these principles:

  1. Student-Centered Learning: AI is used to support, enhance teaching and improve our learning environment.
  2. Privacy and Security: We prioritize protecting students' personal information in all AI applications.
  3. Ethical Use: AI tools are implemented responsibly, with awareness of potential biases and limitations. Modelling of the use of AI allows for teachers and students to understand how they can engage effectively with AI resources.
  4. Inclusivity: AI resources (when made available) are accessible to all students, regardless of background or ability.
  5. Transparency: The use of AI by both students and staff is done in an open, responsible, and transparent manner. 

As AI becomes more integrated into learning and daily activities, it’s important that everyone understands how and when these tools are being used.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

Parkland School Division is committed to using the power of technology in a purposeful and meaningful way to deepen understanding and demonstrate learning. We hope to encourage an environment where each student has their own mobile device. With 1:1 technology availability, our goal is for every student to have greater access to all the resources necessary for learning, and for our students to develop digital citizenship and social responsibility.

Does my child have to bring in their own device?

PSD students are not required to bring in their own devices. The school will have other devices for use which may or may not be assigned to the student, their home classroom or a specific classroom they are working in. The BYOD Initiative is entirely optional, and PSD's Technology Services Department will not manage nor fix any student-owned BYOD devices.

 

Device Guidelines (For Consideration When Purchasing)

Parkland School Division does not endorse any specific device; we merely recommend that it have the following capabilities:

  • Internet connectivity (through Wi-Fi)
  • Ability to connect to Google Workspace for Education
  • A keyboard - integrated, Bluetooth or touch screen
  • Word processing capability (should be able to produce more than 1 paragraph)
  • 6 hours of battery life
  • Verify the devices’ manufacture date (to ensure it is a recent model)
  • Ability to integrate images, video and sound

Device Maintenance

Device Maintenance

As part of our BYOD program, it is essential that all devices brought to school are maintained in good working condition. To ensure the security and functionality of student devices, parents/guardians are encouraged to keep all devices, such as Chromebooks and iPads, updated with the latest software and security patches.


When purchasing a new device, parents/guardians are also advised to verify the device’s manufacture date to ensure it is a recent model. This helps guarantee that the device will be supported with software updates for an adequate period and will be compatible with the school’s educational tools. Older models, even if new, may have limited support or performance issues.


Regular updates are critical to protect devices from security vulnerabilities and to ensure compatibility with school applications and online tools. We recommend the following:

  • Check for and install updates on a regular basis.
  • Enable automatic updates if the device supports this feature.
  • Verify the device’s manufacture date when making new purchases.
  • Notify the school promptly if technical issues prevent a device from functioning correctly.

It is the responsibility of the student to maintain their device. To assist in this regard, the following support is available:

By following these recommendations, we can help maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your support!