In Episode 262 of the House of #EdTech, Chris Nesi explores the timely and necessary topic of creating a responsible AI policy for your classroom. With artificial intelligence tools becoming more integrated into educational spaces, the episode breaks down why teachers need to set clear expectations and how they can do it with transparency, collaboration, and flexibility. Chris offers a five-part framework that educators can use to guide students toward ethical and effective AI use.

Before the featured content, Chris reflects on a growing internal debate: is it time to step back from tech-heavy classrooms and return to more analog methods? He also shares three edtech recommendations, including tools for generating copyright-free images, discovering daily AI tool capabilities, and randomizing seating charts for better classroom dynamics.

Topics Discussed:

• EdTech Thought: Chris debates the "Tech or No Tech" question in modern classrooms

• EdTech Recommendations:

  • https://nomorecopyright.com/ - Upload an image to transform it into a unique, distinct version designed solely for inspiration and creative exploration.

  • https://www.shufflebuddy.com/ - Never worry about seating charts again Foster a strong classroom community by frequently shuffling your seating charts while respecting your students' individual needs.

  • https://whataicandotoday.com/ - We've analysed 16362 AI Tools and identified their capabilities with OpenAI GPT-4.1, to bring you a free list of 83054 tasks of what AI can do today.

• Why classrooms need a responsible AI policy

• A five-part framework to build your AI classroom policy

  • Define What AI Is (and Isn't)
  • Clarify When and How AI Can Be Used
  • Promote Transparency and Attribution
  • Include Privacy and Tool Approval Guidelines
  • Make It Collaborative and Flexible

• The importance of modeling digital citizenship and AI literacy

• Free editable AI policy template by Chris for grades K–12

Mentions:

• Mike Brilla – The Inspired Teacher podcast

• Jake Miller – Educational Duct Tape podcast // Educational Duct Tape Book