Why is access to selected GenAI tools being introduced for Grade 7 to 12 students?

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognizes the role that artificial intelligence will continue to play in student learning and after graduation. As the world changes, students need opportunities to learn how to use new technologies responsibly and thoughtfully.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools are being introduced for students in Grades 7 to 12 as an optional learning tool to help build important skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem‑solving. These skills remain essential, especially as GenAI becomes more common in everyday life.

Our goal is to support student learning by providing access to GenAI tools in a safe, supportive environment. We developed student guidelines that focus on supporting and fostering critical thinking and academic integrity. GenAI is intended to enhance learning, not replace it.

How can GenAI help students learn?

GenAI tools such as Gemini and Notebook (NotebookLM) are designed to enhance learning, not replace student thinking or work. When used responsibly, they can help students better understand ideas, organize their thoughts, and reflect on their learning. They can help students:

  • Break down complex topics
  • Check understanding
  • Practice skills
  • Organize notes and learning materials in one place
  • Summarize information
How did you collaborate with parents, families, students, and teachers when developing GenAI Guidelines?

The development of student guidelines for GenAI involved collaboration with staff, students, parents, families, and caregivers. Staff also engaged in a provincial scan of the guidelines from other districts.  What we heard through this feedback helped shape the student guidelines. This included consultation opportunities with students through the Student Roundtable, parents through the Parent Involvement Committee, the Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils and school administrators were supported in sharing opportunities for feedback with their school councils. 

How are educators supporting learning, thinking skills, or confidence alongside the introduction of selected GenAI tools?

AI is used to support, not replace, student work. When used for school-related work or projects, it is always guided by educators. We will continue to offer training, support and professional development to support educators as they integrate programs and tools into their classrooms.

The goal in introducing GenAI tools is to help students learn how to appropriately use the technology. When done in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, this can help students learn about appropriate use and build confidence long-term.

Our approach is focused on purposeful technology use. Students are learning not only how to use technology, but when it is appropriate, responsible, and educationally valuable to do so.

How does access to selected GenAI tools fit with limits on screen time and device use during the school day?

The updated expectations around personal mobile device use are intended to support focused, distraction-free learning environments. The use of GenAI tools is different because these are educator-guided learning tools used for educational purposes.

When students use approved GenAI tools such as Gemini Chat or NotebookLM, they do so with permission and support from their teacher and securely through WRDSB accounts. Like calculators, research databases, or educational software, these tools are intended to support learning outcomes, not distract from them.

How were these GenAI tools selected?

The GenAI tools currently available to students have gone through careful review and research by WRDSB staff and educators. These tools are approved for students in Grades 7 to 12, based on age appropriateness, learning goals, and safety considerations.

How will educators support academic integrity?

Academic integrity remains an important expectation for all students and is a key part of the WRDSB’s student guidelines for using generative AI. Students are taught that GenAI tools are meant to support their learning, not replace their thinking or original work. They are expected to explain when and how GenAI has helped them, such as with brainstorming ideas, editing writing, researching information, or organizing drafts.

Assessment and evaluation of student work is the responsibility of teachers. Teachers will clearly explain when and how AI may be used, based on the learning goals of a project or assignment. Expectations will vary depending on the task, and students are guided to use AI responsibly and honestly. This approach helps ensure that student work reflects their own understanding while also teaching them how to use new technologies appropriately. They will use their expertise and professional judgment to evaluate student work based on pre-determined expectations. 

How are you addressing concerns around privacy, environment and ethics?

The GenAI Students Guidelines address the ethical, environmental, and privacy impacts of AI tools and encourage students to consider these when using GenAI. Through the support of teachers, students are encouraged to think critically about how and when AI is used, what data is involved, and the impact of using it.

How are you supporting students to use AI safely and responsibly, and supporting their mental health and well-being?

The WRDSB is committed to helping students use these tools safely, ethically, and effectively. When GenAI is used for school-related work or projects, it is always guided by educators. Students must be signed in with their WRDSB accounts to use these tools, which ensure their interactions are safe and secure within the WRDSB environment.

In class, teachers will guide students about identifying parasocial bonds. Parents, families and caregivers are also encouraged to speak with their child about the benefits and risks of using GenAI. Guides for starting these conversations and supporting your child’s use of GenAI at home are available on the Parent, Family and Caregiver Resources webpage.


Important: If your child is struggling with their mental health, they should always reach out to a trusted adult or a professional service rather than an AI chatbot. The Kids Help Phone is also available (24/7). To seek help, you can:

  • Call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 
  • Text Kids Help Phone: 686868

Additional mental health and well-being resources for parents, families and caregivers are also available.

Does my child have to use AI at school?

Parents, families or caregivers with questions or concerns about the use of GenAI tools are encouraged to speak directly with their child’s teacher or school principal so that concerns can be addressed collaboratively in relation to specific learning activities and classroom expectations.

How do AI guidelines prepare students for post-secondary expectations?

Colleges, universities and workplaces expect graduates to think independently, act with academic honesty, and understand when and how GenAI tools may be used appropriately. The WRDSB’s GenAI rules are designed to help students build these skills before they graduate.

How will educators continue to learn about AI tools and best practices?

The integration of GenAI into learning is an evolving and ongoing process. We will continue to offer training, support and professional development to support educators as they integrate programs and tools into their classrooms.