5.9.3 AI policy – Learners and Families

POLICY TYPE: 5.0 Educational Program Policies \ 5.9 Using Technology in Learning
EFFECTIVE DATE: 2026-07-08	LAST REVISED:
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO: Contractors – Individuals engaged to provide services under a contract with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Support Providers – Individuals engaged under a contract or agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation to provide services for a specific learner Families – Learners and parents(s)/guardian(s) of learners participating in SelfDesign Learning Foundation’s programs Volunteers – Individuals providing goods/services under the terms of an agreement with SelfDesign Learning Foundation Board Members – Members of the Board of Directors for SelfDesign Learning Foundation and the Foundation for SelfDesign (FSD)

Policy Statement

SelfDesign Learning Foundation is committed to the responsible development, procurement, and relational use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and tools in ways that advance our mission while protecting the dignity, privacy, and equity of learners, families and the communities we serve.

We recognize that AI tools are already present and often used informally by families and learners. Rather than prohibit experimentation and usage, this policy establishes clear, values-aligned parameters that enable safe, ethical, confident use of AI within our organization.

We understand that good governance is an act of care, protecting relationships and those we serve, between leadership, contractors and our families, and between efficiency and human dignity.

All AI policies are governed by the Overarching AI Principles found in the AI Governance Framework. For information and clarity, an AI Glossary of Terms is available.

Policy

SelfDesign Learning Foundation (SDLF) will allow the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance learning, creativity, accessibility, and engagement while maintaining authentic learning, critical thinking, and human connection. These tools augment human capacity and do not replace human judgement or automate critical decisions.

Learner and Family Responsibilities

Learners and families may choose to use AI tools to support learning and participation in SelfDesign programs.

When using AI:

AI should support learning, not replace thinking.
Learners remain responsible for understanding, reviewing, and verifying any AI-generated content they use.
AI-generated information may be inaccurate and should be checked before being relied upon.
Program-specific expectations regarding AI use must be followed.

Human Review

Any work submitted as part of learning activities should reflect the learner’s own understanding and engagement. AI-generated content should be reviewed, evaluated, and adapted by the learner before use.

Privacy and Data Protection

Learners and families must not enter:

Personal education numbers
Health information
Financial information
Personal information about other individuals
Confidential SelfDesign information into third-party AI tools.

Prohibited Uses

It is strictly prohibited to use AI to:

Impersonate another person
Create deceptive content
Reproduce copyrighted materials without permission
Misrepresent AI-generated work as entirely original when disclosure is required by a program

Program Guidelines

SelfDesign will provide guidelines for AI use by learners and parents/guardians. These specific guidelines/expectations will align with the principles in this policy.

Reporting Concerns

If learners or families believe an AI tool has exposed personal information, produced harmful content, or otherwise created concern, they should contact their SelfDesign educator or designated SelfDesign contact.