10 Best Practices for using AI in the classroom for Students and Teachers.
AI is a Tool—Not a Shortcut
Students: Use AI to support learning, not to replace your thinking. It’s here to help you grow, not to do the work for you.
Teachers: Encourage students to view AI as another tool in their toolbox. Create space for conversations about originality, authorship, and academic integrity.
Keep It Original
Students: Don’t copy and paste AI responses. Make it your own. That’s your superpower. AI is there to support your learning—not to think for you.
Teachers: Design open-ended projects rooted in student voice and experience. Create assignments that require human insight, creativity, and original thinking.
Ask Smart Questions
Students: The quality of what you get out of AI depends on what you put in. Be clear, specific, and curious when using AI tools.
Teachers: Regularly monitor and re-evaluate whether the AI tools are positively impacting student outcomes.
Think Before You Trust
Students: AI isn’t always right. Cross-check information with trusted sources and use your critical thinking skills.
Teachers: Encourage critical thinking. Challenge your students to analyze or improve AI responses as part of a lesson assignment.
Test and Review AI Tools First
Students: Don’t rely on AI to do the work for you. Always test and review your questions and the responses.
Teachers: Try out AI tools before using them in class. Review for accuracy, bias, and age-appropriateness.
Understand its capabilities and limitations, anticipating how students may use it.
Protect Your Privacy
Students: Never share personal info (like full names, school name, addresses, or passwords) in AI platforms.
Teachers: Never share personal info (like student names, school name, addresses, or passwords) in AI platforms. Ensure AI tools follow school and/or district privacy rules and regulations.
Set Clear Expectations
Students: Know when it’s okay to use AI—and when it’s not. AI should never replace your voice, your experiences, or your unique way of thinking.
Teachers: Make sure students are aware of your school, district, and classroom guidelines for AI use.
Stay Age-Aware
Students: Some AI tools have age restrictions. Always ask your teacher before using AI.
Teachers: Always check the terms and conditions and be aware of and follow school and district policies around the use of AI in the classroom.
Use AI to Personalize & Explore
Students: Use AI to brainstorm ideas, get extra practice, or explore careers. AI should never replace your voice, your experiences, or your unique way of thinking.
Teachers: Use AI to differentiate learning, design engaging lessons, create assessments, and offer tutoring that meets students where they are.
Learn About AI, Not Just From It
Students: AI is shaping our future. Take time to understand how it works—and how to use it wisely in school, careers, and life.
Teachers: Empower students to learn about AI and how it works. Introduce students to real-world AI applications and career pathways.