Learning Technology

Adobe offers a range of AI-enhanced creative tools under the Adobe brand, and product names and capabilities may evolve over time. Adobe Express, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Firefly are part of a connected ecosystem that supports design, media creation, and generative AI workflows. Different users have access to different tiers of products.

Canva is an all-in-one visual communication platform designed to make professional-quality design accessible to everyone. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, thousands of templates, and tools for creating graphics, presentations, videos, and documents—all without requiring advanced design skills. Columbus City Schools students, teachers, and staff have access to the Educational tier of Canva.

Columbus City Schools maintains an Educational Enterprise license with Microsoft. Microsoft provides district email, calendar, and many other applications through O365. The information below outlines specific AI features.

Google NotebookLM serves as a sophisticated AI-powered research and study assistant designed to help users synthesize large volumes of information. By uploading personal files like PDFs, websites, and lecture recordings, educators and students can ground the AI's responses in specific, trusted data to minimize inaccuracies. The platform offers a versatile creative studio that transforms raw notes into audio podcasts, interactive quizzes, mind maps, and slide decks. 

Permitted AI Uses for Adults

• Lesson and curriculum planning (e.g., generating lesson outlines, adapting materials for differentiation)
• Drafting communications (e.g., emails, newsletters, parent updates)
• Analyzing student performance data to inform instruction
• Automating routine administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling, attendance tracking, report generation)
• Creating formative assessments and providing real-time feedback
• Supporting accessibility (e.g., generating alternative formats, translation, or communication aids)
• Professional learning (e.g., summarizing research, generating training materials)
• All uses must comply with district privacy policies, and any AI-generated content must be reviewed by a human before sharing with students or families.

Student AI Use By Grade Level

• Grades K–5: Student use of AI is limited and highly supervised. AI tools may be used for accessibility (e.g., text-to-speech, language support) or as part of teacher-led activities. Independent use of generative AI is not permitted at this level.
• Grades 6–8: Students may use district-approved AI tools for guided learning activities, such as brainstorming, research support, or practicing skills. All use must be supervised, and students must be taught about academic integrity and responsible AI use.
• Grades 9–12: Students may use district-approved AI tools for research, writing support, project planning, and skill development, provided they follow academic honesty guidelines. Students must cite AI tools following the author–date–title–source format and are responsible for ensuring their work reflects their own understanding.
• All Grades: No student data may be entered into non-approved AI tools. All student use must comply with FERPA, COPPA, and CIPPA, and be monitored by educators.

Prohibited AI Uses

• Automated Grading Without Review: AI-generated grades or feedback that is not reviewed and validated by a teacher.
• Entering PII into Non-Approved Tools: No student or staff Personally Identifiable Information (PII)—including names, addresses, student IDs, grades, health data, or behavioral records—may be entered into any AI tool that is not district-approved.
• AI for IEPs: Employees should not utilize AI-generated content to generate language that is specific to any particular student’s IEP, 504, FBA, BIP or other similar documentation. 
• Unsupervised Student Use: Students may not use generative AI tools independently in grades K–8 or outside approved instructional activities.
• AI for Disciplinary Decisions: AI tools may not be used to make decisions about student discipline or behavioral interventions.
• AI-Generated Content Misrepresentation: Submitting AI-generated work as original without proper citation or disclosure.
• External AI Model Training: District data may not be used to train external AI models under any circumstances.

Guardrails for Responsible AI Use

• Equity & Inclusion: AI tools must promote equitable access and outcomes for all students. No individual or group should be unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by AI.
• Transparency: Educators and students must be informed when AI is used, and AI-generated content must be clearly identified and cited.
• Human Oversight: Teachers remain responsible for curriculum, instruction, and assessment. AI may assist but not replace educator judgment.
• Academic Integrity: Use of AI in assignments or assessments must comply with academic honesty policies. AI-assisted plagiarism or misrepresentation is prohibited.
• Data Privacy (FERPA, COPPA, CIPPA compliance; Microsoft Copilot preferred): All AI tools must comply with FERPA, COPPA, and CIPPA. Only district-approved platforms—such as Microsoft Copilot, governed by Microsoft’s K-12 privacy agreement—may be used with student data. Third-party AI tools require a formal privacy and security review.
• Accessibility: AI tools for special education must be selected and monitored to meet accessibility needs without compromising privacy.
• Professional Development: Educators and staff must complete training on AI tools, ethical use, and data privacy before classroom use.
• Continuous Review: The district will regularly review AI practices and seek stakeholder feedback to ensure alignment with legal, ethical, and educational standards.