Upper Grand District School Board staff have jumped into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the 2023-24 school year, the board focused on developing AI Literacy among staff. 

Moving forward, we are working on exciting AI projects, within the board’s UCE framework: U(understand); C (create/pilot); E (expand/adopt). This initiative is being led by the UGDSB Innovation Lab.

Highlights from the 2023-24 school year

In the 2023-24 school year, the UGDSB dove into the world of Generative AI. Using the model of Understand, Create, Expand, the board began by first raising awareness of GenAI through regular updates to staff on topics including AI bias, privacy, deepfakes and uniquely human skills. The central theme of this framework is around developing AI Literacy, for students and for staff. AI literacy involves understanding the basics of AI technology and its implications. This includes knowing how AI works, how it can be used, and recognizing its social and ethical impacts. Why is it important? With AI becoming increasingly prevalent, students need to be literate in AI to navigate their future effectively. It's not just about using AI but understanding its role in society and its potential effects on various aspects of life. 

Moving forward with this work and thinking about how it will expand across the board, in classrooms and departments, we then introduced the framework for AI @ UGDSB. The framework looks specifically at AI Literacy as it relates to the board’s priorities of math comprehension, language skills, human rights, and sustainability. An AI Innovation Steering Committee was formed, as was a staff AI Working Group began creating pilot projects using GenAI, with potential for future expansion across the board.

Stay tuned for details on the exciting work happening in AI @ UGDSB.