Digital Tools & AI

MDUSD provides students with access to a variety of approved digital tools that support teaching, learning, communication, creativity, and productivity. The specific tools available to a student may vary based on their grade level, school, courses, and instructional needs.

All digital tools used with students must go through the District's review and approval process to ensure they meet requirements for educational value, student privacy, data security, and accessibility.

Families can view the current list of approved digital tools on the District's website. If you have questions about a specific tool your child is using, please contact your child's teacher or school administrator.

Note: Not all approved tools are used in every classroom. Teachers select tools based on instructional goals and the needs of their students.

All digital tools, including GenAI tools, undergo a review process to ensure they meet district requirements for student privacy, data security, and educational value before they are approved for classroom use. For more information, visit the Protecting Student Data Privacy page.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that computers use to help us do things faster and smarter. AI can help with writing, math, research, and lots of other tasks. But remember—AI is just a tool, like a calculator or a dictionary. It's not a replacement for your thinking and creativity. Generative AI (GenAI) is a type of AI that can create new content, such as writing stories, making images, or answering questions, based on what it has learned by looking for patterns in large amounts of data to predict helpful answers.

At this time, MDUSD does not have a separate policy dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence (AI). The use of AI tools by students and staff is governed by the District's existing Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which outlines expectations for the safe, ethical, and appropriate use of technology and digital resources (BP 6163.4).

Just like any other digital tool, AI must be used in ways that support learning, protect student privacy, respect intellectual property, and uphold academic integrity. Students and staff are expected to follow all District technology guidelines when using AI-powered tools and services.

As AI technology continues to evolve, MDUSD will regularly review its practices and guidance to ensure that the use of AI remains aligned with educational goals, student safety, privacy requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

MDUSD is preparing students for a future where GenAI will be a regular part of learning, work, and daily life. GenAI can support teaching and learning by providing opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, feedback, and personalized learning experiences.

Teachers may use approved GenAI tools to support instruction, help students practice skills, generate ideas, analyze information, or create projects. AI use will vary by grade level, subject area, and instructional goals.

All teachers must proactively address how GenAI fits into teaching and learning—regardless of whether they plan to incorporate AI into instruction. Students benefit from clear guidance in three key areas:

• AI Literacy: Students should develop a basic understanding of what AI is, how it works, and its limitations.
• Expectations for Use: Clearly communicate whether GenAI tools are allowed for a specific assignment or task.
• Transparency and Academic Integrity: Students should understand when and how to acknowledge GenAI use, and how to ensure their work reflects their own thinking and learning.

GenAI may be appropriate for some learning activities and not for others. Teachers will provide clear expectations about when and how GenAI can be used. Regardless of GenAI expectations, students are expected to demonstrate their own learning and thinking.

No. Teachers remain the experts who design learning experiences, provide instruction, build relationships, and make decisions about student learning. AI is a tool that supports teaching—it does not replace educators.

No. AI can sometimes provide incorrect, incomplete, or biased information. Students are taught to think critically, verify information, and use trusted sources rather than relying solely on AI-generated responses.

Students learn digital citizenship and AI literacy skills, including how to evaluate information, recognize bias, protect privacy, cite sources, and use AI ethically and responsibly.

Families can encourage conversations about technology, critical thinking, online safety, and responsible use of AI. Asking children how they use AI and discussing how to verify information can help build strong digital literacy skills. Common Sense Media offers strong resources for families.

Families are invited to join the @MDUSDEdTech group in ParentSquare for regular updates and information. 

Families with questions about AI use in schools are encouraged to contact their child's teacher, school administrator, or join the @MDUSDEdTech group on ParentSquare.