How Austin Public Schools is using artificial intelligence

https://www.austindailyherald.com/opinion/how-austin-public-schools-is-using-artificial-intelligence-819233fc

Publish Date: 2026-01-23 17:25:00

Source Domain: www.austindailyherald.com

AI Classroom Usage Continuum: APS introduced the AI Classroom Usage Continuum to provide students and staff with a clear framework for AI usage in educational settings. This continuum ranges from AI-Free, where no AI assistance is used, to AI-Empowered, where AI can create things humans cannot alone, ensuring human oversight at every level.
Levels of AI Use: The continuum includes:
- AI-Free: Tasks are completed without any AI assistance.
- AI-Assisted: AI is used for specific tasks such as brainstorming or checking clarity, while the core work remains human-driven.
- AI-Enhanced: AI is used throughout the process, but the user must review and judge everything it produces; final product must be more than half human-created.
- AI-Empowered: AI is used to create things that would be difficult or impossible without it, but with responsibility for accuracy, fairness, and citations from the user.
Responsible AI Usage: APS emphasizes that students must show their own work, and AI should never be used to write full assignments. Educators can use AI for planning, communication, or organizing information, but outputs must always be reviewed by humans.
Training and Continuous Learning: Starting in Spring 2025, APS began offering training for teachers and staff to help them use AI confidently, ensuring they can guide students in developing good digital habits. This training will evolve with technological advancements.
Focus on Responsible Digital Citizenship: APS’s approach aims to prepare students to handle AI responsibly as they face a future where AI may play a significant role in many jobs and daily tasks, ensuring they become responsible and ethical digital citizens.