At the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), we see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as more than just a technological advancement; it’s a meaningful tool to enhance how we teach, learn, and connect. Guided by our vision behind our Spiritual Theme of opening doors to opportunities, building bridges to understanding, and nourishing new beginnings, we are integrating AI thoughtfully into our classrooms—not to replace the heart of education but to enrich it.
Our journey with AI is about preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow while empowering them today. By emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and character, we ensure that AI supports Deep Learning and strengthens relationships, allowing educators to spend more time on what truly matters: inspiring and supporting every student.
Why AI? A Vision Rooted in Faith and Innovation
AI is everywhere in today’s world, from the apps on your phone to the systems keeping you safe on the road. At the OCSB, we see AI as an opportunity to live out our Strategic Commitments: Be Community, Be Well, Be Innovative. By using AI thoughtfully, we’re helping students learn to engage with this technology ethically, critically, and responsibly.
But we’ve been clear from the start: AI isn’t about doing things faster or fancier. It’s about doing things better. It’s about bridging the digital divide, fostering creativity, and making learning accessible to every child, no matter their needs. With guidance from partners like Dr. Michael Fullan, Advanced Learning Partnerships, and Google, we’ve built a roadmap that puts students and educators at the center of this innovation.
What Does AI Look Like in OCSB Classrooms?
For Students:
- We have licensed tools such as Brisk Teaching, SchoolAI, Quizizz, and Gemini to personalize learning, adapt to each child’s pace, and inspire creativity.
- We’ve updated our lessons in the Samaritans on the Digital Road digital literacy program that teaches students how to use AI critically and safely, fostering skills like ethical decision-making and digital literacy.
- AI supports accessibility, making learning more inclusive for students with diverse needs.
For Teachers:
- The Board released AI guiding principles for staff, K-6 students, and 7-12 students.
- We created a staff website to provide many tools to assist educators with implementing AI.
- OCSB prompting guidelines – to assist with prompts in generative AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, or Co-Pilot
- AI 80-20 rule – to ensure that AI output is always personalized and reviewed for biases
- 5 Steps to Evaluate AI Responses – checking responses for accuracy
- Checklist to Evaluate External AI tools – ensuring privacy and data security
- Incorporating AI in the classroom – identify the extent to which students can use it for a task
What’s the result? We’re starting to see more dynamic, inclusive, and connected classrooms than ever before. Educators embracing a balanced approach to AI, outdoor learning, and authentic learning experiences are leading the way and supporting colleagues on their innovative journey.
Addressing Challenges with Care and Transparency
We know that there are concerns with any new technology, especially one as powerful as AI. What about cheating? Bias? Privacy? These are valid questions, and we’ve worked hard to address them:
- For Parents: We created an AI Parent Website to answer your questions, share our guiding principles, and provide resources to help you understand how AI is used in your child’s classroom.
- For Students and Staff: We’ve developed straightforward tools and guidelines to ensure AI is used ethically, securely, and thoughtfully. From data privacy checklists to evaluation steps for AI responses, we’re committed to transparency and trust.
At every step, we’re making sure AI doesn’t just serve our schools—it serves our values.
The Real Impact: Stories from Our Classrooms
Watching AI come to life in our classrooms is the most rewarding aspect of this journey. Imagine this:
- A Grade 4 class uses AI to brainstorm solutions for a local environmental issue, with students enthusiastically sharing their ideas.
- High school students are learning to fact-check AI-generated content, critically asking questions about bias and accuracy.
- A teacher using AI to streamline lesson planning, allowing them more time to connect deeply with their students.
These are not just stories but daily experiences at the OCSB. They are made possible by educators who recognize the potential of AI and use it to inspire. Want to see this for yourself? Here are examples of how staff are using AI to support student achievement across the OCSB. AI is making a positive difference in our classrooms.
Looking Ahead: Nourishing New Beginnings
At the OCSB, our approach to AI extends beyond just technology. It focuses on fostering new beginnings for our students, staff, and families. We are preparing students for a world reshaped by AI, teaching them to use these tools while leading with integrity, compassion, and critical thinking. Additionally, we are supporting our educators in bringing innovation to life and making our classrooms more inclusive, engaging, and inspiring.
As a Catholic school community, we are building a future where technology and humanity coexist in harmony. We remain committed to what matters most: your child’s well-being and success, guided by faith and compassion.
