072 98 55 456 apbsa@apbsa.co.za

AI in the classroom

May 6, 2025

Drakensberg Boys’ High School

Founded 1925

 

Policy on the Management and Use of Artificial Intelligence

  1. PREAMBLE

It is recognised in this school that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is here to stay, and there is no sense in banning it: rather, the school will endeavour to implement control measures while extracting maximum benefit and value from AI. Correctly used it can be a very valuable aid – both in terms of teaching and learning on the one hand, and administration and labour-saving on the other.

AI will therefore be encouraged, and learners, educators and administrators will be assisted in learning how best to manage it.

  1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POLICY

This policy is intended to guide members of the community in the responsible use of within the school community, and is applicable to learners, educators, and administrators alike, and all AI applications used within the school, including AI-driven educational tools, administrative systems and generative AI platforms.

The aim is to harness AI’s potential as an educational tool while ensuring that its use is aligned with ethical standards, particularly around academic integrity, data privacy and the responsible development of AI skills.

  1. POLICY OBJECTIVES

 

The objectives of the policy are to:

  • Promote ethical, responsible, and effective use of AI within the school.
  • Outline roles and responsibilities for learners, educators, and administrators in the use of AI.
  • Establish guidelines for preventing plagiarism and misuse of AI.
  • Encourage the development of digital literacy and critical thinking in relation to AI.
  • Support educators in using AI to enhance their teaching methodologies, to the advantage of learning in the school.

 

  1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

AI should be used in such a manner that it:

  • Promotes fairness, equity, and inclusivity in educational access and outcomes.
  • Supports the school’s academic objectives and values.
  • Enhances learning and fosters creativity, curiosity and ethical awareness.
  • Respects data privacy and complies with relevant privacy laws.

 

  1. MANAGEMENT OF AI IN THE SCHOOL

 

  • AI management will be in the hands of an AI Committee appointed by the Headmaster and his Senior Management Team in the same way that other Committees in the school are appointed.
  • While continuity will be maintained as far as practicable, membership of the AI Committee will be reviewed annually at the time that tasks and roles are delegated to individual staff members in the normal course of events.

 

  1. GUIDELINES FOR LEARNERS

Learners are encouraged to use AI tools for educational purposes, such as research, drafting ideas and enhancing problem-solving skills. At the same time, they are expected to adhere to the following guidelines to maintain academic integrity:

  • Originality and Attribution:
    • Learners must ensure that their work reflects their own understanding and insights and recognize that they are responsible for making substantial contributions to any piece of work they submit, and not simply rely on AI.
    • If AI has been used to assist with any part of an assignment, this must be clearly disclosed, and AI-generated content should be acknowledged in accordance with school guidelines on the acknowledgement of any sources used or consulted.
    • Particular care needs to be taken when dealing with the production of creative works – e.g. creative writing, essays, art, music, etc.; even to the extent of excluding the use of AI in exercises or class environments where the above work is being undertaken.
  • Prevention of Plagiarism:
    • AI may not be used to produce assignments in their entirety.
    • Learners are responsible for verifying that any information sourced from AI tools is accurate.
    • Use of AI in ways that violate this policy will be treated as plagiarism and dealt with in terms of the school’s disciplinary procedures.
  • Data Privacy:
    • Learners should not input sensitive personal information into AI tools and must understand that data shared with AI applications may be stored externally.
    • Data privacy training will be provided as part of the school’s digital literacy programme.

 

  1. GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATORS

Educators play a central role in modelling ethical AI use and they are encouraged to integrate AI tools in ways that enhance teaching and learning experiences. Educators are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Incorporation of AI in the Curriculum:
    • Educators should explore AI tools that can enrich lesson content, support differentiated learning, and enable personalized feedback.
    • For instance, AI can assist in providing individualized practice problems or enabling real-time feedback on writing.
  • Training and Familiarity with AI:
    • Educators will receive training on AI tools available to learners so as to enable them to understand their functionalities and limitations.
    • Educators are encouraged to use these tools as part of formative assessment strategies, adapting them to the academic level of each learner.
  • Academic Integrity and AI:
    • Educators should clearly communicate expectations around AI usage for each assignment.
    • They should also use AI detection software where applicable to help identify potential plagiarism.
    • Any suspected misuse of AI by learners should be discussed constructively, with a focus on teaching academic integrity.

 

  • LEVERAGING AI FOR ENHANCED TEACHING AND LEARNING

Educators are encouraged to use AI to:

  • Identify Knowledge Gaps:

AI tools can analyse learner performance and provide insights into areas where there may be a need for additional support, helping educators tailor their teaching and learners enhance their learning.

  • Personalize Learning Paths: Educators can use AI to create personalized learning experiences by identifying resources and practice activities suited to individual learners’ progress.
  • Automate Administrative Tasks: Educators may use AI to streamline grading or administrative tasks, freeing up time to focus on direct engagement with learners.

 

  • GUIDELINES FOR THE AI COMMITTEE

The AI Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of AI use within the school. Committee members should adhere to the following directives:

  • Provision of Approved AI Tools: The AI Committee will provide a list of approved AI applications for learners and educators, prioritizing tools that align with the school’s privacy standards and academic goals. The Committee will periodically review this list to ensure compliance with school policies.
  • Data Security and Privacy Compliance: The AI Committee must ensure that any AI tools in use comply with data protection regulations, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Committee members should regularly review data-sharing practices and train staff and students on responsible data use.
  • Support and Training: The AI Committee will assume responsibility for providing resources, including training sessions and workshops, on ethical AI use. They should facilitate a culture of learning where educators and learners feel empowered to use AI responsibly.
  1. MEASURES TO CONTROL PLAGIARISM AND MISUSE OF AI

 

  • AI Detection Software:
    • The school will employ AI-detection tools to identify potential misuse of generative AI in learner submissions.
    • Educators will receive training on interpreting results and identifying genuine learner work.
  • Education on Responsible AI Use:
    • Learners will receive instruction on plagiarism, managed by the AI Committee, including how improper use of AI constitutes academic dishonesty.
    • Workshops on AI ethics, citation, and the importance of original work will form part of the curriculum.

 

  1. ENFORCEMENT AND CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT
    • Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action against the perpetrator: such action may include, but is not limited to, loss of privileges, academic penalties or suspension.
    • The school reserves the right to confiscate or restrict the use of AI technology that is being used in violation of this policy; to record incidents; and to keep track of learner infringements.
    • When deemed appropriate, parent conferences may be required and if necessary a learner may be required to rewrite submissions or have marks allocated adjusted.

 

  1. CONCLUSION

This policy underscores the school’s commitment to leveraging AI responsibly in ways that enhance educational experiences while upholding the highest standards of integrity, privacy, and fairness. Through these guidelines, the school aims to prepare learners and educators to engage with AI thoughtfully and ethically.

  1. REVIEW AND UPDATE OF POLICY

This policy will be reviewed by the AI Committee annually, or if the AI milieu changes significantly, in consultation with educators, learners and an SGB delegate to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to advancements in AI technology and educational practices.

 

  1. ADOPTION

This policy adopted by the School Governing Body of Drakensberg Boys’ High School at a formal

 

meeting of the SGB on _________________________________________

 

Name of Headmaster:          __________________________   Signature:  ___________________

 

Name of SGB Chair:               __________________________   Signature:  ___________________