Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools create guidelines for AI – Red Deer Advocate

Published 12:49 pm Monday, June 8, 2026
By Susan Zielinski
Guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools were recently shared with the division’s school board trustees. (Photo from Facebook)
Guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence have been created by Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools for its students, teachers and administration.
“The standards in the guidelines focus on responsible use of AI for students and staff, benefits and risks of utilizing AI, educating students and staff on how to use AI appropriately, and identifying approved AI systems that can be used by students and staff,” said Ike Hanna, associate superintendent of learning services, in a statement.
He said a team of educators within the division collaborated to create the guidelines as a starting point, a common approach in Alberta school divisions and other provinces. The team completed research, reviewed best practices, and connected with other school divisions to formalize the guidelines.
Within the guidelines, prohibited uses of AI for students include:
• Manipulation of media using AI tools to impersonate individuals for the purpose of bullying, harassment, or intimidation.
• Overreliance, plagiarism and cheating.
• Producing or distributing inaccurate information.
The guidelines also state that AI will not be used to infringe on students’ and teachers’ privacy rights, and that staff and students will “be taught to understand the origin and implications of societal bias in AI.”
Security measures will be implemented and reviewed periodically to secure AI technologies against unauthorized access and misuse.
According to the guidelines, generative AI tools, can enhance student learning when used responsibly to boost creativity, enhance collaboration, improve communication, and for content development and refinement.
“Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools recognizes that responsible uses of AI will vary depending on the context, such as school or classroom expectations. Teachers will exercise their professional discretion in their use of AI tools and guiding student utilization,” the guidelines said.
Hanna said the guidelines will be reviewed so necessary changes can be made to ensure it meets the division’s needs and comply with changes in laws, regulations and technology.

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