SPEA uses artificial intelligence in education

Key principles for responsible AI use

The framework aligns with the UAE’s national directives—respecting national values and the socio-cultural context—and focuses on key principles and standards, including privacy and data protection; fairness, transparency, and accountability; human oversight; critical thinking and the verification of AI outputs; and cybersecurity and academic integrity.

Aisha Butti Al Ghafli, Director of the Curriculum and Assessment Department at SPEA, emphasized that the framework reflects the Authority's commitment to integrating modern technologies into the educational environment based on clear, responsible principles. This approach safeguards learner privacy and data, reinforces the teacher's role, and fosters critical thinking and information verification skills among students, all within a context of national values and human oversight. The framework aims to support adaptive learning, foster innovation and sustainability, enhance teacher proficiency, and develop future-ready skills among students. It also seeks to instill awareness regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data protection, and adherence to ethical practices.

Guidelines for educational institutions

Furthermore, the framework translates these principles into actionable guidelines and directives for educational institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah. It accounts for the diversity of curricula and educational environments while defining the roles and responsibilities of school leadership, teachers, students, IT teams, educational specialists, and parents.

The framework also addresses academic integrity standards, including defining the scope of AI use in assignments, projects, and assessments; mandating disclosure of its use when appropriate; ensuring that AI-generated content does not replace original student work or the teacher's role; and verifying the accuracy of outputs and their sources.

Protecting academic integrity and learners' rights

Additionally, it outlines guidelines for using AI in institutional media and promotional materials to protect official symbols and visual identity, ensure content accuracy and compliance with approved standards, and emphasize the importance of the conscious and responsible use of modern technologies within the educational environment.

The launch of this framework aligns with the Authority’s objective to provide a clear reference for educational institutions in Sharjah that supports the safe, effective, and ethical use of artificial intelligence. It aims to keep pace with technological advancements while upholding the quality of education, protecting learners' rights, and preserving the human role in the educational process.