Students use AI in different ways depending on their grade level, and those experiences evolve as they grow. Our AI Student Framework outlines recommended best practices for safe, responsible, and ethical AI use at each stage; from early exposure and basic understanding to more advanced, independent use. You’ll also find additional resources and classroom examples that show how AI can support learning, not replace it. We encourage you to explore this framework to better understand the guidance shaping how AI can be used thoughtfully and responsibly in school.
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AI tools require the same safety habits students use with any digital tool; protecting personal information, thinking critically about content, and using technology responsibly. We encourage families to have ongoing conversations with their students about how they are using AI and what appropriate use looks like. For school-related use, we recommend students access Gemini through their NISD account, where it is provided within Google for Education and configured with additional safeguards to support safer use for students across all grade levels.
One of the most common questions about AI in education is whether using it is considered cheating. A helpful way to think about it is this: if a student wouldn’t be allowed to do something with another person, it’s likely not appropriate with AI either. For example, turning in work that was entirely written by AI is no different than having someone else complete the assignment. However, using AI to brainstorm ideas, ask questions, or get feedback on work they’ve created is more like getting help from a classmate and is often appropriate.
The key expectation is that AI should support a student’s learning, not replace it. Because guidelines may vary by teacher or assignment, students should always follow their teacher’s expectations for how AI can be used.
Want to see how this is explained to students? You can view the student-facing guidance here.
Teachers use AI to support their work in ways that save time and enhance instruction, such as creating materials, generating practice questions, and differentiating learning for students. These efficiencies allow teachers to spend more time working directly with students and responding to their needs.
AI may also be used to help review student work or provide quick feedback during the learning process. However, it does not replace the teacher’s professional judgment; any grades entered in the official gradebook are determined by the teacher, who reviews and makes final decisions about student work.
Conversations about AI don’t need to be complicated - they should focus on building good habits and discernment. Encourage your student to use AI as a learning partner, not a shortcut, and remind them not to share personal information when using these tools.
It's also important to remind your student that AI can "hallucinate" (confidently state things that aren't true). Encourage them to question what AI tells them, verify information, and be honest about when they’ve used AI to support their work.
One of the most effective ways to support your child is simply by asking questions about their experiences with AI, such as:
How are you using AI in your classes?
When is AI helpful for your learning, and when is it not?
How do you know if something AI tells you is accurate?
These conversations help students build the awareness and responsibility they need to use AI effectively.
For more information, click the image below to check out our Digital Citizenship Family Connections Hub on What is AI.
AI should be a tutor, not a shortcut. Encourage your student to use it to spark thinking, not replace it:
Study Buddy: Have your student upload their notes and ask AI to "Create a 10-question practice quiz based on these notes."
Overcoming Blank Page Syndrome: If they are stuck on a project, they can ask for "5 creative ways to present a report on the Texas Revolution" to get the gears turning.
Executive Functioning: For big projects, ask AI to "Break this 3-week research paper into a daily checklist of small, manageable tasks."
To get started, go to Gemini.Google.com. Click Tools, then Guided learning as seen below.
Use Gemini's Guided Learning Tool
Use Gemini's Guided Learning Tool
Think of Guided Learning in Gemini not as a search engine that gives away the answers, but as a digital tutor that walks your child through the process of finding the answer.
Instead of just doing the homework for them, it uses "learning science" to help students actually understand the concepts they are studying.
Here is a quick breakdown of how it supports your child’s learning:
1) The "Socratic" Approach
2) Breaking Down the "Big Stuff"
3) Visual & Interactive Aids
DIagrams & Images
YouTube Videos
Interactive Quizzes
4) Custom Study Tools
Flashcards
Practice Tests
Personalized Feedback
5) Built-In Safety & Guardrails
Think of AI as the assistant you didn’t have to hire. Use it to clear your "mental load":
Meal Planning & Grocery Lists: Tell AI what’s in your fridge, and ask it to generate a 5-day meal plan and a shopping list for the missing items.
Explaining Complex Topics: If your student asks a question that leaves you stumped (looking at you, Calculus), ask AI to "Explain [Topic] to me like I’m in 5th grade" so you can help them through it.
Drafting Emails: Need to write a polite but firm email, or a quick note to a coach? Ask AI to "Draft a brief, friendly email regarding..."
Click the image below to get more ideas on how your can use ChatGPT as a parent.
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