Educational Technology
Eanes ISD believes educational technology is the intentional, purposeful integration of developmentally appropriate digital tools, materials, and knowledge used to enhance student engagement and learning for everyone in our learning community. We believe technology enhances opportunities for differentiation, creation, collaboration, critical thinking, and digital citizenship.
Visit the Educational Technology Support Page for more resources on using technology to support and enhance your instructional approach.
- Thoughtful Use of Technology
- Ai Guidelines
- SAMR Framework
- Universal Design for Learning
- Digital Citizenship
- District Rostered Resources
Thoughtful Use of Technology
Ai Guidelines
In alignment with the district's mission to unite our community, empower students, and inspire purposeful lives, the guidelines linked below outline the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by students and staff in Eanes ISD. Teachers are encouraged to use AI tools to transform instructional opportunities, while fostering students’ understanding and responsible use of AI technologies. The goal of the district is to ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically, and effectively to enhance teaching and learning while protecting privacy and academic integrity.
What is AI?
AI simulates human intelligence to perform tasks like understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions, helping educators with lesson planning, feedback, and differentiated instruction. Eanes ISD believes in the potential of AI to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience.
AI includes key technologies such as:
- Machine Learning (ML) - adapts instruction based on student performance
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) - powers chatbots and automated feedback
- Computer Vision (CV) - interprets images/videos for virtual labs and classroom safety
AI enhances education by supporting personalized learning, saving time on routine tasks, and improving student engagement while keeping educators at the center of teaching.
Guiding Principles
Our AI guidelines support ethical, transparent, and effective use of AI to enhance learning, protect student data, and maintain academic integrity.
Educational Enhancement
AI should be used to support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency in alignment with our district’s educational goals. It must not be used to replace critical thinking, creativity, or human judgment. Educators and students are encouraged to view AI as a collaborative tool that augments, rather than substitutes, the personalized and innovative learning experience.
Ethical Use
Users who engage with AI tools should do so in a manner that upholds ethical standards, including respect for others' work, data privacy, and intellectual property. This includes adhering to district-approved resources, ensuring proper citations of AI-generated content, and fostering a culture of academic integrity.
Transparency
When a teacher allows students to utilize AI, or teachers use AI to generate content, users should be transparent about its role and contribution. Teachers should model this practice by explicitly identifying how AI was used in lesson preparation or assessments, setting a standard for students to follow.
Staff
Instructional Use of AI
Teachers may use AI to:
- Design dynamic lesson plans and unit overviews
- Provide real-time, automated feedback
- Differentiate instruction based on student needs
- Save time on routine tasks like grading and content generation
Reminder: Always verify AI-generated content for accuracy, appropriateness, and alignment with curriculum standards.
Classroom Guidelines
Teachers are encouraged to create and share clear classroom expectations for AI use. These guidelines can vary by grade, subject, or assignment. Expectation Examples:
Permitted Use:
“You may use MagicSchool to generate practice questions. Please let me know how it supports your learning.”
Limited or No Use:
“Collaboration with AI tools is not allowed for this assignment to preserve the integrity of your original thinking.”
Tip: Collaborate with your grade level or content team to align on consistent expectations.
Transparency & Modeling Ethical Use
Model ethical AI use by being open about when and how you use AI for planning, grading, or instruction. Let students know:
“I used ChatGPT to brainstorm questions for this Socratic seminar.”
“This feedback was generated using MagicSchool, then reviewed and personalized by me.”
Students are expected to follow your lead, cite AI tools and describe their role in any completed work.
Privacy & Data Protection
When using AI, protect student and staff data by following these district expectations:
- Only use district-approved tools that ave been reviewed and approved by Eanes ISD.
- Avoid entering personally identifiable information (PII).
- Review the privacy policy of any tool before use.
- Ensure compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and district data security policies.
AI tools should never store, process, or expose student names, ID numbers, or sensitive information.
Approved AI Tools for Teachers
These tools have been vetted for educational value, privacy, and usability:
- MagicSchool AI
- Khanmigo
- Adobe Express
- Canva
- Quizizz
Each tool includes guidance on appropriate classroom use, student safety, and instructional value.
Sample AI Prompts
A good AI prompt is:
Specific about grade level, subject, and task
Clear in tone, purpose, and output format
Aligned with learning objectives or TEKS
Contextualized with student needs or class goals
Prompt Examples:
- “Create a 5-day lesson plan for 4th-grade math on multi-digit multiplication. Include learning targets, group activities, and exit tickets aligned with TEKS.”
- “Provide feedback for a 10th-grade persuasive essay about school uniforms. Focus on clarity of argument, use of evidence, and grammar. Suggest specific improvements.”
- “Generate three versions of a reading passage about ecosystems: one for below-grade readers, one at grade level, and one for advanced readers. Include comprehension questions for each.”
Tip: Include TEKS or learning targets in your prompts to get better results aligned with standards.
Professional Learning & Support
Want to learn more? Explore resources to build your confidence and skillset with AI in the classroom:
- AI 101 for Eanes Educators
- Common Sense Media AI Foundations Course
- Prompt Practice Library
- AI for Education by Khan Academy
Contact your Instructional Coach or Ed Tech Coach to schedule a support session or co-plan a lesson using AI!
Students
Responsible AI Use
Students are encouraged to use AI as a tool for personalized learning (e.g., tutoring platforms, writing support), but they should always consult teachers for clarification and guidance. Students are encouraged to use AI to seek understanding of concepts, and not just find the answers to questions. While AI tools may assist in learning and completing assignments, students are prohibited from using AI to generate complete projects, essays, or exam responses unless specifically approved by a teacher.
Responsible Use for Students:
Aspect |
Responsible AI Use LOOKS Like… |
Responsible AI Use SOUNDS Like… |
Unacceptable use of AI |
Using AI for Learning |
Reviewing AI-generated explanations of math problems to deepen understanding before attempting the problem on their own. |
"I used AI to explain this concept, and now I can solve the problem myself." |
Using AI to solve the problem and submitting the answer without understanding the process. |
Citing AI Contributions |
Including an in-text citation and a reference for an AI tool used to summarize a research article for a project. |
"This summary was assisted by MagicSchool(MagicSchool AI, 2024) for identifying key points, but I wrote and expanded on the analysis." |
Copying AI-generated content into an assignment without acknowledging its source or role. |
Personalized Learning |
Using an AI tutoring platform to practice difficult topics and asking a teacher for clarification if the AI explanation isn’t clear. |
"I practiced with Khan Academy's AI tool and still don’t understand fractions. Can you explain this further?" |
Relying solely on AI for explanations and skipping teacher assistance even when concepts remain unclear. |
Critical Thinking |
Comparing AI suggestions for essay structure with personal ideas and choosing the most relevant points to write a personalized draft. |
"I reviewed ideas from a generative AI tool, and I picked the ones that matched my own research for my essay outline." |
Accepting all AI suggestions without evaluating their relevance or alignment with the assignment's purpose. |
Answering Questions |
Using AI to clarify concepts from class discussions and then engaging in self-reflection or group discussions for deeper understanding. |
"AI explained the topic, and I want to confirm if this aligns with what we discussed in class." |
Using AI to directly find and submit answers to homework questions without understanding the material. |
Social and Ethical Use |
Ensuring the content generated by AI aligns with respectful and ethical standards, avoiding misuse of tools for harmful or inappropriate purposes. |
"I checked that the AI-generated feedback is appropriate and doesn’t include anything offensive." |
Misusing AI tools to generate or share inappropriate, harmful, or disrespectful content in class or online settings. |
Misuse of AI
AI should never be used to do the work for you. Examples of misuse include:
- Copying and pasting an entire AI-generated essay or assignment
- Using AI to find test answers or submit work you didn’t understand
- Submitting AI content without giving credit or citation
- Using AI to generate disrespectful or inappropriate content
Misusing AI is a violation of academic integrity and may result in disciplinary action.
Be Transparent: Cite Your AI Use
If your teacher allows AI, tell them how you used it. Be honest, just like when you cite a book or website. Here’s a recommended format for citing AI in academic work:
Sample In-Text Citation:
“This summary was assisted by MagicSchool (MagicSchool AI, 2024) for identifying key points.”
Sample Full Citation (APA style):
MagicSchool AI. (2024). Version 2.1. https://magicschool.ai
Pro Tip: Note whether AI helped with ideas, feedback, summaries, or grammar, not just that it was used.
How AI Can Help You Learn
Here are smart ways to use AI tools in school, when permitted:
Personalized Learning and Study Support |
Content Mastery and Skill Building |
Exploration and Enrichment |
+ Personalized Study Plans: AI creates custom study schedules based on individual needs. + Homework Assistance: Get step-by-step help with solving problems. + Instant Feedback on Writing: AI offers grammar and style improvements on essays. + Time Management Tips: AI suggests ways to optimize study time and productivity. + Goal Tracking: Track academic progress and get recommendations for improvement. |
+ Summarizing Texts: AI condenses long readings into key points. + Practice Quizzes: Create personalized quizzes for better exam preparation. + Flashcard Generation: Convert notes into digital flashcards for review. + Clarifying Complex Concepts: Get simplified explanations of challenging topics. + Reading Comprehension: AI generates questions and answers to deepen understanding. |
+ Research Help: Use AI to find relevant sources for projects or essays. + Language Translation: Translate foreign texts for better understanding. + Interactive Learning Tools: Explore simulations for concepts like physics or chemistry. + Career Guidance: Get AI-driven career advice based on interests and skills. + Language Learning: Use AI to practice vocabulary and conversation in a new language. |
Stay Safe with AI
When using AI tools, protect your identity and personal information. AI tools may save what you type, even if it seems private.
Protect your privacy: Never share personal details like your full name, ID number, address, or photos when using AI tools, stick to school-related content only.
Use district-approved tools: Only use AI apps your teacher allows, and ask if you're unsure what you type could be saved or shared.
Questions to ask before using AI:
- Am I allowed to use AI for this assignment?
- How will this help me understand better, not just finish faster?
- Did I give credit to the AI tool I used?
- Can I explain what I learned, even without the AI?
AI is a powerful learning partner, but your thinking, voice, and effort are the most important tools you have. Use AI wisely, stay curious, and always ask for guidance when you’re unsure.
SAMR Framework
Dr. Ruben Puentedura developed the SAMR model as a way for teachers to evaluate how they are incorporating technology into their instructional practice. The SAMR model lays out four tiers of online learning, presented roughly in order of their transformative power: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition.
When you reflect upon how you are integrating technology into your classroom it’s tempting to think of SAMR as a mountain to be summited. But good technology integration isn’t about living at the top of the SAMR model; it’s about being aware of the range of options and picking the right strategy for the lesson at hand.
Eanes ISD selected SAMR as the instructional framework during the original 1:1 implementation in 2013. This model best aligns with the beliefs and instructional practices in the district. Referring to the SAMR model, teachers can evaluate the technology use by responding to these questions:
-
Where does my lesson fit within the SAMR framework?
-
How am I going to teach this and see evidence of student learning?
-
Can technology help to get all students equitable access to meaningful learning?
SAMR
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. The research basis for the general principles of UDL is also grounded in modern neuroscience. The three basic principles are built upon the knowledge that our learning brains are composed of three different networks, recognition, strategic, and affective.
The UDL Guidelines align these three networks with the three principles (recognition to representation, strategic to action and expression, and affective to engagement). This empirical base in neuroscience provides a solid foundation for understanding how the learning brain intersects with effective instruction. This alignment is further extended and clarified by the guidelines and checkpoints.
UDL
Digital Citizenship
Students are online more than ever before, so teaching them how to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly is an essential part of their social and emotional development and academic success. As digital citizens, children need guidance to navigate online spaces safely, respectfully, and ethically. These resources provide practical tips, conversation starters, and trusted guidance to help families support their children in building healthy digital habits both at home and in school.
- What is Digital Citizenship?
- Family Engagement Toolkit
- K-5 Digital Footprint Family Tips
- K-5 Digital Balance Family Tips
- K-5 Digital Safety Family Tips
- 6-12 Digital Footprint Family Tips
- 6-12 Digital Balance Family Tips
- 6-12 Digital Safety Family Tips
- K–12 Cyberbullying Family Tips
- Google Digital Well Being Family Guide
- The Smart Talk
- Netsmartz
District Rostered Resources
Eanes ISD rosters over twenty digital resources including software and textbooks. The district currently utilizes two different systems (Clever and ID Auto) for rostering purposes. Instructional materials rostered by Technology Services are included below. *Items rostered may change yearly.
CLEVER
Resource | Grade Level | Content | Scope |
---|---|---|---|
Accelerate Learning | K-8 | Science (STEMscopes) | Elementary, Middle |
Achieve (BFW) | 6-12 | Language Arts & Statistics | Middle, WHS |
Amplify (mClass) | K-2 | Reading | Elementary |
Benchmark | K-4 | Social Studies, Language Arts | EE, CCE, BPE, BCE |
BrainPop | K-8 | All | Elementary, Middle |
Carnegie Learning | 6-12 | French | Middle, WHS |
Edmentum | 6-12 | Credit Recovery/ Summer School | Middle, WHS |
Fluency Link | 9-12 | Chinese | WHS |
GoodHeart Wilcox | 9-12 | Health Science | WHS |
Give me Liberty | 9-12 | AP US History | WHS |
Handwriting without Tears | K-3 | Language Arts | Elementary |
Learning A-Z | K-5 | Language Arts | Elementary |
MagicSchool AI | K-2 | All | K-12 |
Nearpod | K-12 | All | K-12 |
Renaissance (Freckle) | K-8 | Math | Elementary, Middle |
Second Step | K-5 | SEL | Elementary |
Seesaw | K-2 | All | Elementary |
STEMscopes | K-8 | Math & Science | Elementary, Middle |
Studies Weekly | K-5 | Social Studies | Elementary |
TCI | 5 | Social Studies | Elementary |
Typing Club | 3-6 | Keyboarding | Elementary, Middle |
ID AUTO (Eanes Account Portal)
Resource | Grade Level | Content | Scope |
---|---|---|---|
Apple Classroom | K-12 | N/A | All |
HMH | WHS | Social Studies | WHS |
McGraw Hill | 6-12 | Science, Social Studies, Math | WHS, WRMS, HCMS |
NWEA/MAP | K-8 | Math, Reading | Elementary, Middle |
Pearson/Savvas | K-5, 9-12 | Math, Government | Elementary, WHS |
Quaver | K-5 | Music/PE | Elementary |
FitnessGram | K-12 | PE/Athletics | Elementary |