Calgary’s schools have embraced various AI tools for educational purposes, but robots will not take over teaching responsibilities. The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) have both sanctioned the use of AI resources aimed at enhancing lesson planning and student engagement.
In a statement, the CBE noted that educators are encouraged to incorporate approved AI tools in ways that complement their existing teaching practices. The intent is to maintain the vital role of teachers in designing and directing classroom learning through their expertise, experience, and collaboration with peers.
“AI serves as one of many supportive tools; it does not replace the teacher,” the statement emphasizes.
According to the board, AI tools hold significant value for students as well, although their application is context-specific. The timing and method of AI usage depend on various factors, including learning objectives, subject matter, and student age.
“Older students are likely to utilize AI tools more than younger students. Teachers are aware of this usage and provide oversight and guidelines as needed for assignments,” the board explained.
Beyond merely using AI tools, students must cultivate strong critical thinking and digital literacy skills. This includes assessing the accuracy of AI-generated content, understanding algorithmic biases, grasping how algorithms function, and evaluating the reliability of various sources. The board is committed to providing comprehensive digital literacy and citizenship resources for developing these skills, stressing the importance of responsible, ethical, and informed technology usage.
The CCSD echoes this commitment, aiming to promote positive digital citizenship and responsible technology use among students and staff, as detailed in their statement.
Last December, the CCSD rolled out a district-wide AI awareness and digital citizenship poster as a classroom resource to help students comprehend safe and ethical interactions with AI tools.
Among the AI resources approved for teacher use are Brisk AI, MagicSchool AI, NotebookLM, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini, all rigorously assessed by the district’s Learning Services and Information Technology departments. These tools are intended to bolster lesson planning and meet diverse student needs.
Although student use of AI tools is not widespread yet, the CCSD is exploring the integration of these tools within classrooms and supporting responsible early adoption in select schools.
“The CCSD’s guidelines offer teachers insight into best practices, which include modeling responsible AI use and initiating age-appropriate discussions about digital citizenship,” the statement noted, though detailed information on current or future student usage of the tools was not specified.
Tools, Not Replacements
Adeel Khan, CEO of MagicSchool, a platform featuring over 80 tools approved by the CCSD and CBE for educational support, notes that the rise of AI in classrooms was somewhat expected.
“If the years 2023 to 2025 are characterized by ‘panic and pilot’ approaches to AI in education, then 2026 will likely solidify these changes into enduring habits. The policies and tools that districts choose now will shape the future learning experiences for a generation,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Khan, a lifelong educator who transitioned to a technology founder, provides a unique perspective on this transformative phase.
He recalls that in the early 2020s, discussions of AI in schools often centered around cheating. Now, however, students are increasingly using AI to enhance their analytical skills rather than diminish them.
“We are witnessing students drafting their work independently before seeking AI-generated feedback tailored to their teacher’s guidelines. They ask questions like, ‘What makes this thesis weak?’ or ‘How can I clarify this?’ instead of just requesting completion of the task,” he pointed out.
Khan emphasized that when adults establish clear expectations, AI can become a valuable resource instead of just a shortcut. Students learn to write first and then use AI to improve their work.
“Students already possess curiosity and are using AI outside of school. The pivotal question is whether educational institutions will equip them with the discernment and habits necessary for their future careers and lives,” he remarked.
The CBE reiterated its commitment to treating AI as a learning aid, ensuring that students are educated on how to use it responsibly while evaluating sources and recognizing when technology can be beneficial or detrimental to the learning process.
“We prioritize fostering students’ unique perspectives and voices while ensuring they can demonstrate their understanding in meaningful ways,” the board’s statement expressed.
“Teachers create assignments that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and the emotional aspects of learning while guiding students to utilize technology as a supportive tool rather than a crutch,” the CBE added.
Support for Educators and Students
To assist teachers at different integration stages, the CBE offers professional development focused on the purposeful and responsible use of AI, underpinned by research and effective practices for student learning.
“Ongoing support, collaboration, and shared experiences empower educators to make sound decisions about the appropriate applications of AI while preserving strong pedagogy and student-centered learning,” the statement noted.
To safeguard against data breaches or privacy issues, the CBE has established pre-existing guidelines on technology use, including AI, which forbid the sharing of student personal information with AI platforms.
Each school develops its own digital citizenship strategy annually to promote safe and responsible technology use. All AI tools approved for CBE use undergo a rigorous evaluation to ensure compliance with standards for security, privacy, and educational suitability.
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