A Foundational Model for Creating an AI Ethics Code in Schools

Engaged Learning offers a foundational model for developing an ethics code to guide the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Tailored for both students and staff, this model promotes responsible, safe, and educational use of AI, while fostering critical thinking skills. It's a practical tool for school administrators and technology committees, adaptable to specific contexts through collaboration with students, staff, and parents.

This model for creating an AI ethics code in schools draws on recommendations from Quebec’s educational authorities and examples from school districts, including:

We strongly recommend adapting this model to your specific context (e.g., determining which tools are permitted) and discussing it with all stakeholders (students, staff, parents) to encourage adoption.

Additionally, this model assumes that AI use is permitted at all times and equally for everyone. However, if you wish to include varying levels of permission (e.g., a teacher requiring an assignment to be achieved without AI, or allowing extensive AI use followed by reflection), it may be advisable to add a scale that considers the nature of the task.

Student Summary Version

🤖 AI at School: Play it Right!

Why an Ethics Code?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help us learn, create, and understand better. But to get the most out of it, we need to use it responsibly and honestly. Here are the basic rules to follow at school.

✅ What You Can Do with AI

Use it for inspiration or to find ways to express your ideas.
Rephrase a text you’ve written or help make it clearer.
Check information or ask questions to better understand a topic.
Practice with AI-powered tools (e.g., quizzes, virtual exercises).

🚫 What You Shouldn’t Do

Have AI complete your assignments without adding your own thoughts.
Copy and paste AI-generated text and present it as your own.
Share personal information in an AI application (e.g., your full name, school, address).
Use AI to cheat, bully, or harm someone.

🎯 Your Role

You’re responsible for the quality of the work you submit.
Ask questions if you’re unsure about whether you can use a tool.
Use judgment and critical thinking: AI can make mistakes!
AI also consumes energy and contributes to your environmental footprint: use it for necessary and useful tasks that respect the ethics code.

💡 Remember!

AI is a tool that can assist you, but it can’t learn on your behalf. You’re smarter than any machine. Use AI to learn and aim high, but never to cheat!

Detailed Version for Staff

📘 AI Use Ethics Code in Educational Settings

1. Objectives

This code aims to:

Promote responsible, ethical, and safe use of AI in educational contexts.
Encourage the development of digital competence and critical thinking among students and staff.
Preserve intellectual integrity, confidentiality, and fairness in learning.

2. Guiding Principles

a. Pedagogical Relevance

AI should be used to support learning without replacing the professional judgment of teaching staff.
Its use should be preceded by pedagogical reflection on the intended objectives and students’ needs.
Staff are encouraged to adopt a three-phase reflective approach: before, during, and after AI use.

b. Ethical Principles

Privacy: Avoid disclosing personal information when using AI tools.
Transparency: Inform students about how AI tools work and their limitations.
Equity: Ensure that AI does not replicate or amplify discriminatory biases.
Digital Sobriety: Favour environmentally friendly tools and uses.

c. Legal Obligations

Comply with laws regarding personal data protection and copyright.
Adhere to AI tools’ terms of use, especially concerning minimum age requirements.
Respect institutional policies and current collective agreements.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

a. Teaching and Professional Staff

Thoughtfully integrate AI into pedagogical practices.
Guide students in the ethical and critical use of AI tools.
Engage in continuous professional development on AI-related educational issues.

b. Students

Use AI as a learning tool, adhering to established rules.
Demonstrate intellectual integrity by avoiding plagiarism or AI-assisted cheating.
Develop a critical understanding of AI-generated information.

c. Administration and Support Staff

Develop and disseminate clear policies on AI use.
Provide training and resources to support staff and students.
Ensure compliance with current legal and ethical frameworks.

4. Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses

✅ Acceptable Uses

Using AI to generate ideas, rephrase texts, or obtain additional explanations.
Employing AI to adapt educational materials to students’ needs.
Using AI as a feedback or learning support tool.

🛑 Unacceptable Uses

Submitting assignments entirely generated by AI without personal contribution.
Using AI to circumvent assessment processes or cheat.
Disclosing personal or sensitive information in unsecured AI tools.

5. Reporting and Sanctions

Any breach of this ethics code may result in disciplinary measures in accordance with institutional policies.
Students and staff are encouraged to report any inappropriate AI use to the administration.

6. Review and Updates

This ethics code is reviewed annually to adapt to technological and legislative developments.
Stakeholders (students, staff, parents) are consulted during the code’s revision.

This ethics code model can be adapted by each educational institution according to its specific realities and needs. It’s essential to foster ongoing dialogue among all educational community members to ensure the harmonious and responsible integration of AI in education.

Note: For implementation, it’s advisable to consult local educational policies and legal requirements to ensure compliance and relevance.

We would be delighted to feature real-life examples from schools that have implemented their own AI ethics code, in order to inspire the broader educational community. Feel free to contact us to share your experience!

Examples of School- or District-Based AI Ethics Codes:

(ON) Peel District School Board (May 2024). Artificial Intelligence: Final Update
(QC) Premières-Seigneuries School Service Centre (CSSPS) (2024). Digital Ethics Code 2024–2025 – École secondaire des Sentiers [PDF].
(QC) Collège Sainte-Anne (February 2025). Institutional Policy on the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence [PDF Document]. Published via LinkedIn.
(BC) School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) AI Ethics and Privacy.
(QC) Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) at CSSDN – Pedagogical Guidelines

These examples illustrate how institutions have adapted ethical frameworks to their local contexts. Sharing such models supports collaboration and helps other schools develop their own AI governance policies.