What is AI?

MOKOPANE ENGLISH COMBINED SCHOOL

  Effective from: 6 August 2025

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by learners, educators, and staff at Mokopane English Combined School. It aims to promote innovation, support learning, and enhance teaching, while safeguarding academic integrity, data privacy, and equity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the school community—learners, educators, and administrative staff—when using AI tools for teaching, learning, assessment, communication, or administrative purposes.

3. Definitions

  • AI Tools: Software or platforms that use artificial intelligence technologies (e.g., machine learning or natural language processing) to perform tasks, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Google Gemini, Quillbot, and others.
  • Generative AI: AI that can produce original content such as text, images, audio, or code.

4. Acceptable Use of AI

AI tools may be used for:

  • Enhancing learning through brainstorming, summarisation, language support, or research assistance.
  • Supporting teachers in lesson planning, marking, differentiation, and content creation.
  • Administrative tasks such as drafting communication, scheduling, or generating reports.
  • Improving grammar and sentence structure under teacher guidance.
  • Exploring ideas or multiple perspectives for learning, provided the student produces original work.

5. Prohibited Use of AI

AI tools must not be used for:

  • Cheating or submitting AI-generated work as original without acknowledgement.
  • Generating harmful, discriminatory, or inappropriate content.
  • Fabricating data, citations, or references.
  • Inputting sensitive personal data without proper consent.

6. Academic Integrity

  • Learners must disclose and briefly describe the use of AI tools in any assignment or project.
    Example: “I used Grammarly to correct grammar” or “I used ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, but wrote the final piece myself.”
  • Teachers will guide learners on acceptable AI use per subject or task.
  • AI-generated material used meaningfully must be cited where applicable.
  • Suspected misuse may result in the learner being asked to defend or re-submit the work.

7. Data Privacy and Security

  • AI tools must be used in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
  • Personal, sensitive, or confidential information about learners, parents, or staff may not be input into AI platforms unless the tool has been approved for secure educational use.

8. Teacher and Staff Responsibilities

  • Teachers must model ethical and informed AI use.
  • Staff will be offered training opportunities to remain current on the capabilities and limitations of AI tools.
  • Educators are encouraged to redesign assessments to emphasize original thinking, reflection, in-class application, and oral feedback.
  • Teachers may use AI to assist in planning and drafting but remain responsible for reviewing and finalizing all material.

9. Monitoring and Enforcement

  • Misuse of AI tools will be addressed according to the school’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
  • Learners who submit AI-generated work dishonestly may be required to:
    • Re-submit the task.
    • Provide an oral explanation of their process.
    • Face consequences aligned with the seriousness and frequency of the offense.
  • Repeated or serious violations may lead to a suspension of digital privileges or further disciplinary action.

10. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by school leadership in consultation with staff and student representatives to ensure it remains relevant and effective as AI technologies evolve.