Can students use AI in school? What Louisiana Department of Education says

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like Chat GPT and others, some students turn to AI for aid in their school work.

There are even AI bots engineered specifically for school-related use, including platforms like SchoolAI, EduGPT and SchoolHub.ai.

While AI could be a useful tool for learning, there are concerns regarding students using such platforms to cheat during school.

Are there rules for students using AI in school in Louisiana? What to know

Students can use AI to assist in homework in Louisiana, however, its use is dependent on local guidelines, teacher policies and the specific assignment.

Students should check their instructor's specific policies, as well as ensure any AI-generated content is fact-checked and that reasoning is explained. AI should be used as a learning tool, not a way to bypass an assignment.

Louisiana's statewide guidance for AI usage in education includes a tiered model that specifies what activities might be permitted, such as brainstorming, and what activities are prohibited.

If a student uses AI to cheat or plagiarize, then this would be a form of academic misconduct.

Are teachers using AI in Louisiana classrooms?

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is equipping educators with resources to properly use AI in the classroom, developing a comprehensive new guide on the safe, ethical and effective use of AI, says the Louisiana Department of Education.

School systems can create their own policies for AI based on guidance and recommendations from the LDOE's Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

Through the AI Task Force and guidance for school systems, the LDOE sets a basic framework to better utilize AI to the benefit of students and educators, establishing parameters while identifying and avoiding unintended consequences, says the LDOE.

Louisiana is one of almost two dozen states to develop AI guidance and the state has been an early adopter of responsible use of AI in schools. This has been achieved through safeguards for AI in education, technical considerations, relevant laws and policies, as well as training and support, according to the LDOE.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Can students use AI for school work? What Louisiana DOE says