AI Use Policy for Intelligence Suite

Last Updated: April 8, 2025

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy governs the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within ConnectedClassroom.org's Intelligence Suite (REAL Connections, CrossLink, UDL Pathways, and EdConnect) and the future Create, Connect, Compete challenges. Our AI systems are designed to:

  • Enhance educator capabilities while preserving professional judgment and autonomy

  • Promote equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning experiences

  • Protect student privacy and data security through rigorous safeguards

  • Support evidence-based instructional practices and standards alignment

  • Foster critical thinking about technology's role in education

This policy applies to all users including educators, students, administrators, and institutional partners.

2. Permitted Uses

Educators may use our AI tools for:

  • Instructional Design: Lesson planning, curriculum mapping, and standards alignment 

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Generating cross-curricular connections and project ideas

  • Inclusive Education: Developing accessible and differentiated instructional materials 

  • Global Collaboration: Participating in moderated international learning challenges 

  • Professional Growth: Pedagogical innovation, reflection, and continuous improvement 

  • Real-World Connections: Identifying authentic learning opportunities in local communities 

  • Assessment Design: Creating varied formative and summative assessment strategies 

  • Student Engagement: Developing motivating and relevant learning experiences

3. Prohibited Uses

Users may not use tools for:

  • Privacy Violations: Submit personally identifiable student information without proper consent 

  • Commercial Exploitation: Use AI outputs for commercial purposes, monetization, or resale 

  • Harmful Content: Generate discriminatory, inappropriate, or misleading materials 

  • Technical Misuse: Attempt to reverse-engineer, extract training data, or manipulate AI models 

  • Bypassing Review: Implement AI-generated content in classrooms without human verification 

  • Academic Dishonesty: Use tools to generate student work or circumvent learning objectives 

  • Automated Evaluation: Rely on AI for summative assessment or high-stakes decisions 

  • Replacement of Human Interaction: Substitute AI feedback for meaningful teacher-student engagement

4. Educator Responsibilities

When using Intelligence Suite’s AI tools, educators agree to:

  • Critical Evaluation: Review and validate all AI-generated content before classroom implementation

  • Attribution: Provide appropriate citation when using AI-generated materials ("Created with ConnectClassroom.org’s AI tools")

  • Supervision: Monitor student use and ensure compliance with school/district policies

  • Quality Control: Report concerns about biased, inaccurate, or inappropriate outputs via ethics@connectedclassroom.org

  • Professional Judgment: Apply pedagogical expertise when implementing AI suggestions

  • Digital Citizenship: Model responsible technology use for students

  • Continuous Learning: Stay informed about AI capabilities, limitations, and best practices

  • Ethical Implementation: Consider equity implications when integrating AI tools

5. Student Safeguards

For educators that wish to introduce these tools to students abide by the following guidelines:

  • Age-Appropriate Access: Students under 16 require educator supervision and parental consent

  • Content Moderation: All competition submissions undergo both automated and human review

  • Constructive Feedback: AI-generated responses focus on growth-oriented improvement

  • Clear Disclosure: Students are informed when interacting with AI systems

  • Scaffolded Use: Progressive introduction of AI tools with appropriate guidance

  • Critical AI Literacy: Students are encouraged to question and evaluate AI outputs

  • Inclusive Design: Accommodations for diverse learning needs and technology access

  • Reporting Mechanisms: Simple processes for students to report concerns

6. Data Handling & Privacy

  • Input Processing: Lesson plans, standards, and educational content are processed temporarily and data is not stored.

  • Student Protection: Student data is never used for AI training without explicit, informed consent

  • Retention Limits: AI interactions are anonymized 

  • Data Minimization: Only essential information is collected for tool functionality

  • Secure Infrastructure: Industry-standard encryption through Google Scripts and Cloud Infrastructure protects data.

  • Transparency: Clear documentation of tool functionality and data collection

7. Transparency Measures

We proactively disclose:

  • AI Identification: Clear indicators when users are interacting with AI systems

  • Limitations: Explicit statements about the boundaries of AI capabilities (e.g., "Verify community partner availability")

  • Data Sources: Information about AI training datasets upon request

  • Confidence Levels: Indication of certainty in AI-generated recommendations

  • Decision Factors: Explanation of key elements influencing AI outputs

  • Human Oversight: Description of review processes for AI systems

  • Continuous Improvement: Regular updates on system enhancements and bias mitigation efforts

8. Compliance Framework

Our AI systems adhere to:

  • Educational Regulations: FERPA, COPPA, and state-specific student privacy laws

  • Professional Standards: ISTE Standards for AI in Education and subject-specific frameworks

  • Government Guidelines: Department of Education AI policy recommendations

  • Accessibility Requirements: WCAG 2.1 AA standards for inclusive design

  • Ethical AI Principles: Alignment with UNESCO AI Ethics framework

  • Industry Best Practices: Regular benchmarking against evolving standards

  • Research-Based Approaches: Integration of evidence-based learning sciences

9. Violation Consequences

Misuse may result in:

  • Graduated Response: Warnings for minor violations, restrictions for repeated issues

  • Account Limitations: Temporary or permanent suspension based on severity

  • Administrative Notification: Communication with school/district leadership when appropriate

  • Remediation Options: Educational interventions before punitive measures

  • Legal Recourse: Action for serious violations of terms or applicable laws

  • Appeal Process: Clear procedure for contesting violation determinations

  • Restoration Pathway: Defined steps for reinstating full access after violations

ConnectedClassroom.org is committed to the responsible, ethical, and educationally sound implementation of artificial intelligence in learning environments. We believe AI should amplify human potential, not replace it, and should be implemented with careful consideration of educational goals, equity, and student well-being.

For questions about this policy, please contact: ethics@connectedclassroom.org