Schools in Sharjah are establishing clear guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT. Students may utilize these tools for researching topics, generating ideas, and supporting the learning process; however, they are prohibited from using AI to write answers or complete assignments on their behalf.
The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has developed a new ethical framework for the application of AI in educational institutions. This document outlines expectations for students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and IT departments.
The primary goal of this framework is to enhance the quality of education and support digital transformation while ensuring student privacy, data security, and academic integrity. Aligning with UAE national directives and values, it emphasizes fairness, transparency, accountability, human oversight, cybersecurity, and critical thinking.
Under the new regulations, students must submit original work rather than presenting AI-generated content as their own. Furthermore, the framework requires declaring the use of AI where appropriate and stresses the necessity of verifying information generated by these tools.
Aisha Butti Al Ghafli, Director of Curriculum and Assessment at SPEA, noted that this framework reflects the authority's commitment to integrating modern technologies into education while simultaneously protecting student data, strengthening the role of teachers, and developing students' critical thinking skills.
Khaleej Times surveyed school principals in Sharjah to understand how these recommendations can be practically implemented in classrooms.
Pramod Mahajan, Principal of the Indian School Sharjah, stated that the main objective is to ensure students' academic integrity and develop their ability to think independently. He emphasized that the purpose of changing AI rules is to ensure honesty in learning, as students should not rely entirely on ChatGPT or other AI tools to write answers or complete tasks. Their work must reflect their own understanding, creativity, and capacity for independent thought, which will help them develop critical thinking skills and learn to solve problems on their own.
Mahajan believes that AI should stimulate students to analyze, research, and ask questions, rather than simply providing ready-made answers. The technology can be used to study a subject and identify areas for further exploration, but the conclusions must belong to the students themselves.
He added that to assess the true understanding of material presented by students, schools will need to look deeper than just completed assignments. The Indian School Sharjah plans to use tests and assignments that allow teachers to directly evaluate student comprehension. For instance, they might conduct quizzes requiring immediate responses to gauge understanding, rather than just graded submissions.
Mahajan also noted that while students can use AI to gather information and identify areas for study, the final answers and conclusions must be based on their own thought processes. He also mentioned that AI can help identify instances where students relied on technology to create their work. He welcomed this initiative, noting that the main goal is to teach students to use AI responsibly without losing the ability to think independently.
Dr. Armeena Tabassum, Director of Raffles World Academy Sharjah, stated that schools need to find a balance between preparing students for a technology-driven world and preserving their skills in self-directed learning. She acknowledged that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly vital part of the education and the world in which her students are growing up. Therefore, the school's approach involves carefully balancing the adoption of technology as a targeted tool to improve teaching and learning with the development of academic integrity, critical thinking, and student independence.
She particularly stressed that students must understand the difference between using AI as a learning aid and allowing it to do the work for them. In her view, AI should support thinking, not replace it.
At her school, responsible use includes setting clear expectations regarding academic honesty, online safety, and verifying the accuracy of AI-generated information. Dr. Tabassum added that teachers set an example of responsible use, while parents are encouraged to help children attempt assignments independently before seeking digital assistance.