School AI Policy Guide — Essential for Principals & IT Coordinators

Step-by-step guide to creating a school AI policy, with a ready-to-use template.

What EDB Says

• Compliance — AI tools must comply with Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO)
• Teacher-led — AI assists, never replaces teacher professional judgment
• Student rights — Clear guidelines needed to prevent plagiarism and academic misconduct
• Data security — Never input student personal data into AI tools

What a School Policy Should Cover

1. Teacher AI Use

• Allow AI for lesson prep, quiz generation, grading (but review AI output)
• No student personal data (names, class, grades) into AI
• Recommend keeping records of AI usage for audit

2. Student AI Rules

• Phased approach: lower forms restricted / senior forms limited use
• Homework: AI can assist research, not replace thinking
• All AI-assisted work must be declared (which tool, how used)

3. Administration

• Designate an AI lead (IT coordinator / vice principal)
• Review policy every semester
• Teacher training on safe and effective AI use

FAQs

Q: Who is responsible if AI generates wrong quiz questions?

A: The teacher. AI is a tool — teachers must review all AI-generated content, just as they would verify any internet-sourced material.

Q: How do we detect students using AI for homework?

A: Instead of detection, change your assessment approach — more in-class presentations, group discussions, and project work. Design assessments that AI can't easily replicate.

Q: Are free AI tools safe for schools?

A: Free tools often use your data for model training. Schools should: 1) avoid inputting student privacy data 2) prioritise education-tier tools 3) consider self-hosted AI if resources allow.

Bottom line: The core question isn't "should we use AI?" but "how do we use it responsibly?" Instead of banning AI, teach students how to use it well.