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What generative AI is
'Generative artificial intelligence' is a term that covers a range of tools that have been trained using huge sets of data to create new content. It is also called 'AI' and 'GenAI'.
Artificial intelligence has been around for a while, powering technology like predictive text. It is quickly becoming more widely available to more people, in free-to-use and paid tools and services.
Resources
These resources from trusted sources can help you learn more about generative AI.
Introduction to artificial intelligence - Tāhūrangi
What to think about when using AI tools
Check the output
AI can create content that seems plausible but contains nonsensical or incorrect detail. Whenever you use AI, make sure that you are reviewing and checking the outputs.
An introduction to the role of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms and schools - The Education Hub
Don’t use personal data
Most free AI tools use the prompts you put in to continue to train the model – what you put in. The AI uses to improve its output. Don’t use personal data when you use AI tools, as what you put in may be reused.
New Zealand’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner has released expectations for people and organisations using generative AI. Principals and teachers should keep these guidelines in mind.
Generative artificial intelligence – Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Cultural bias
AI models are trained on huge amounts of data from different countries and cultures. This means most AI models are built on dominant cultures and languages. The tools may not accurately reflect indigenous knowledge. From a New Zealand context, they are likely to be weak on Mātauranga and Te Reo Māori, as well as Pacifica languages and Polynesian cultures.
Read terms and conditions
Carefully read the terms and conditions of use. Many AI models will reuse your prompts and the data you provide it to continue to learn and train. Make sure you do not enter copyright, confidential, personal, or sensitive information into these models.
Talk about it and make a policy
Discuss with your staff how you can use AI at your school and what rules and guidance you need to put in place for different contexts.
Teachers using AI
AI in education should improve teaching and learning, supporting knowledgeable and skilled teachers.
Human teachers must:
- remain central in students’ education
- take responsibility for students’ learning.
Reviewing work with AI tools
Teachers and the school are responsible to make final decisions on learners’ work. Teachers should avoid using AI tools to mark work. AI systems have not seen enough work by young people in the context of New Zealand’s national curriculum to have a good understanding of what is expected and may be unfair or discriminatory.
Students using AI
GenAI gives us opportunities to enhance teaching and learning, but when it comes to assessment, its use needs to be restricted to ensure a student’s work is their own.
NZQA has guidance on AI and when its use is acceptable in assessment.
Guidance on the acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence - New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Age restrictions on use of AI
As with any digital tool, teachers and students must abide by the terms and conditions of the tools they’re using.
Several AI tools have age restrictions on their use. For example, to use ChatGPT you must be at least 13 years old, and if you are under 18 you must have your parent or legal guardian’s permission.
The terms of use for ChatGPT and any services using it are clear: you must not send it any personal information of anyone under the age of 13.
