Wake Schools to Develop AI Policy

Wake Schools Developing AI Policy

Wake County students and staff may soon learn how to use artificial intelligence and digital tools through a new policy being created by the school system. System leaders want to ensure students and staff understand the correct way to use AI, and they are working out the specifics of when and how the technology should be used.

Policy Details

As it is being considered, the policy would limit AI use to students who are 13 years or older and who can give permission to use AI tools. Leaders are considering using Google Gemini because they say the tool does not store the data that students and staff input.

Board Vice Chairman Tyler Swanson told the board's policy committee that it’s important to meet students where they are, noting that AI is already present. He added that preventing students from using AI would not prepare them to be productive. Leaders plan to present a draft policy to the policy committee June 25.

Generative AI Explained

Generative AI analyzes online content to learn information, which is then stored as data. These tools can then create texts, videos, images, and other content when prompted. Many generative AI tools store user prompts as data to continue learning.

The school system already allows AI use in some middle and high schools. Some school board members have expressed concerns about how AI will be incorporated into daily activities and its potential impact on student learning.

Board Member Sam Hershey voiced concerns about the ethics, impact on jobs, and long-term effects on teaching. He agreed that Wake County needs to ensure students are taught critical technological skills.

Superintendent Robert Taylor expects the policy to be updated as AI technology advances. However, he said it’s important to have a starting point with a policy in place.

The school board currently does not have a specific AI policy, but some other districts do. Some districts have prohibited access to sites like ChatGPT. Others, such as Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Harnett County Schools, allow AI use. Harnett County Schools has even encouraged its use.