Every day, AI is becoming more and more relevant to our lives, whether we want it to or not. Institutions are at a pivotal point: do they choose to adopt AI, or do they disregard it altogether? This answer has an immense impact not only on the school or district itself but also on the students it serves. AI education tools have been a discussion point among our OETC members and partners for some time. Here are a few key takeaways about how to spot success using AI tools, along with expert-backed suggestions for building up an AI policy.
There are thousands of AI tools available, with new ones being released every hour. AI is simplifying coding, generating new content, analyzing complex data sets, and managing customer service. These tools aren't just for Fortune 500 tech companies. There are many specifically designed to enhance learning both inside and outside the classroom. They can help save time by creating templates, conducting research, and building personalized lesson plans. Additionally, these tools can generate images and videos, provide real-time translation, and refine writing.
Schools cautious about AI often worry that it can make it easier for students to avoid real engagement with learning materials, increase plagiarism, or reinforce misinformation.
To combat AI plagiarism, many have turned to software designed to detect the presence of AI in students’ work. However, many students are reporting that these programs are flagging false positives and punishing students who put in the time and effort to create original work.
With AI-generated content now going undetected by AI detection tools and false positives on the rise, relaxing AI policies inside schools can help relieve the pressure students are facing. Transparency about expectations for using AI allows educators to find better ways to engage their students. In place of outright bans, some institutions, like George Fox University, adopt policies that emphasize responsible, transparent use of AI, only permitted at a professor’s discretion. George Fox, in particular, has adopted three components to their strategy for AI integration into education: bold experimentation, fluency, and ethical application.
James Gurganus, Chief Information Officer at George Fox, shared his experience adopting and implementing AI tools. After an analysis of what was available, the needs of the school, and the needs of their students, George Fox moved forward with the basic Gemini for Education tools. Students and faculty alike were already familiar with using Google products, and Google's package made it clear that data shared with these tools would stay protected.
Eventually, George Fox upgraded to what is now Google AI Pro for Education. This enabled deeper integrations into the Workspace suite for select staff with the necessary licensing.
We provided some quick tips and ideas on how to use Gemini Pro, and from there, the creativity took off... It was fantastic to hear all the creative ways AI was being used.
– James Gurganus, CIO at George Fox University
Faculty reported back that these new tools allowed them to:
How has George Fox University changed since it adopted its AI strategy? Since last year, the College of Business has achieved 100% AI integration for its students in all 27 courses and 69 sections. Faculty mentored the students beyond AI fluency, and students now pioneer and experiment with the capabilities of AI tools in the student-led Applied AI Institute. The Institute is modernizing business practices through applying agentic and emerging AI technologies.
Enabling students to lead the growth in the AI space has already yielded significant results. George Fox University is celebrating a two-year record enrollment growth streak. Both the Applied AI Institute and AI integration in the College of Business are opening up George Fox to serve the third component of its AI strategy: retaining critical thinking, ethical considerations, and a vision of the school’s mission of serving humanity.
The students who joined us this fall are trusting us, counting on us to prepare them for the world of 2029. Take a moment to imagine what 2029 will be like. It is our obligation to them to continue to grow AI expertise across our community– all while knowing and embracing that the leading edge of AI capability is accelerating forward.
– James Gurganus, CIO at George Fox University
Schools do not have to create an entirely new policy regarding AI usage alone. Your state board of education will have guidelines in place as a starting point. Many schools are pioneering ways to effectively bring AI into classrooms. Reaching out to nearby schools and seeing what has worked for them is another resource for developing best practices.
Kevin Roose (Left) and Casey Newton (Right) during their fireside chat at the 2025 CIO Summit
At their keynote fireside chat at the OETC 2025 CIO Summit, AI experts and journalists Kevin Roose and Casey Newmen, co-hosts of the New York Times’ hit podcast Hard Fork, shared their thoughts on how to build better AI Policies for schools.
“If you haven’t already, bring your students into this conversation,” Kevin told the audience. “Gen Z and even Gen Alpha are already using AI in creating content, in their social media, and in other ways in their everyday lives. If your school is looking to create an equitable policy regarding AI, bringing students to the table is a must.”
"We've spoken with students across the country- they are using AI," Casey added. "AI isn't just a fad; it's not going away. Educators can learn from their students about how AI tools can benefit Education as a whole."
An important factor in moving forward with any AI tool is finding both a vendor that complies with FERPA and COPPA data protection standards and the tools that staff, faculty, and students will use most effectively. Reputable vendors who design AI tools for education will already be familiar with both of these data privacy protections for students, and will include on-screen reminders that data collected during use will not be supplied to teach AI models or used in a commercial context.
|
Feature |
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) |
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) |
|
What it Protects |
"Education Records" and PII within those records (grades, disciplinary history, attendance, etc.). |
Personal Information collected online (name, email, persistent identifiers, photos, geolocation, etc.). |
|
Who it Regulates |
Schools/Educational Institutions that receive federal funds. |
Operators of commercial websites and online services directed at, or with knowledge of, collecting data from children. |
|
Age Focus |
All students (parents' rights transfer to the student at age 18 or post-secondary enrollment). |
Children under 13 only. |
|
Primary Mechanism |
Gives parents the right to inspect, review, and control the disclosure of records. |
Requires companies to provide notice and obtain parental consent before data collection. |
|
Enforcement |
U.S. Department of Education (can cut off federal funding). |
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (can issue significant fines per violation). |
Additionally, Kevin Roose recommended that technology leaders in schools today utilize paid plans for AI tools as opposed to widely available free versions. “Free options use outdated or limited models compared to models some students are probably already paying for. Paying for premium AI tools provides equity for all students.”
Checking in with teachers will ensure that your school is implementing the tools that students and faculty can and will use effectively for the learning experience. One success metric James mentioned was regularly checking in with the educators using AI tools at George Fox.
After a trial period, he sent a quick survey to everyone with a license, including this question: “Do you still want to keep using this AI tool, or will you give up your license for someone else?” Of all the respondents, many who were against adopting AI for their work, only four opted to let go of the tools.
No matter where your institution stands on the AI tools for education debate, OETC is committed to supporting our members in providing technology for educational excellence. Your member advisor can help find educational AI tools for your school or share their expertise on how to improve what you already have.
Get in touch with your member advisor using the form below: