Quebec launches guide for artificial intelligence in schools

Education Minister Bernard Drainville launched a guide to help teachers with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools on Wednesday.

The document, “L’utilisation pédagogique et éthique de l’intelligence artificielle générative (IAG)” specifies the criteria for the educational, ethical, and legal use of AI.

Drainville says he believes that the subject is unavoidable since “artificial intelligence is now an integral part of our reality, including in our schools.”

“Not taking this new reality into account would be turning a blind eye. This is why we prefer to guide schools and students about the responsible use of artificial intelligence. With this guide, we are creating an additional tool for school staff and students, for the benefit of educational success,” he said in a press release, and emphasized that “the development of artificial intelligence has seen a meteoric rise in recent years.” 

AI has advantages and disadvantages.

“On the one hand, it offers several opportunities to innovate in teaching and improve current teaching practices. On the other hand, it brings its share of questions regarding the desired place of digital technology in teaching and learning,” reads the guide.

The guide proposes three criteria’s that can help teachers make decisions regarding AI in an educational context: pedagogical relevance, ethical principles, and legal obligations.

For each criterion, it explains the different issues and suggests a list of questions that generates reflections. Each of the sections deals with the implications related to digital competence.

“The fundamental mission of Quebec schools, defined by the Education Act, is to educate, socialize and qualify students. It is essential that the development and use of AI in education always serve humans,” reads a press release from the Ministry of Education.

This guide aims to provide “avenues for reflection and action regarding the responsible use of AI, both for teaching staff and students.”

The Education Ministry’s document “is part of a process of continuous improvement, because even if discussions are underway, IAG systems are constantly evolving,” reads the guide.

“It is essential to adopt a lively and flexible posture so as not to hinder innovation, while keeping people at the heart of decisions,” concluded Drainville.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews