How to encourage smarter AI use in the classroom
Summary
Schools are struggling to figure out how to handle generative AI (large language models that can write text and answer questions) after chatbots became widely available to students. Cheshire Academy has adopted a flexible approach, training teachers on general AI techniques rather than forcing specific tools, and implementing strategies like having students reflect on their AI use through assignments where they evaluate AI-generated edits or label assignments by AI permission level (green for allowed, yellow for some tools only, red for banned).
Solution / Mitigation
Cheshire Academy trained staff on general techniques for using AI, including how to craft useful prompts while stressing the technology's limits and potential for generating incorrect and biased responses. The school also implemented a traffic light labeling system for assignments, where green means AI is fully allowed, yellow lets teachers permit some tools while banning others (like allowing spell-check but not chatbots), and red bans any AI use. Additionally, the school piloted a 'Student AI Council' program where students create media and lead discussions about healthy AI use.
Classification
Affected Vendors
Related Issues
Original source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/08/24/1142630/ai-school-classroom-policies/
First tracked: August 24, 2026 at 02:01 PM
Classified by LLM (prompt v3) · confidence: 75%