Nova Scotia faces calls for provincewide classroom AI rules

CBC News reports that Nova Scotia has no provincewide policy governing classroom AI use, leaving regional education authorities to create their own rules. Parents, educators and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union are calling for consistent guidelines and safeguards.

Halifax and Chignecto Central have written guidelines, while teachers in Cape Breton Victoria use their judgment based on grade level. The Strait region is finalizing guidance, and the province's francophone school board has appointed a committee to develop a policy.

Teachers union president Peter Day said some teachers have returned to supervised paper assessments after students submitted work generated by chatbots. He also said educators need training before they can teach students how to use AI responsibly.

The provincial education department said provincewide guidance remains under discussion. Regional authorities currently provide professional development, while the province is working on additional training for teachers.