Sample Consent Letters
Sample 1
Dear Families,
We are excited to announce that we will be introducing a new project in our class that involves [project details here]. As part of this project, we will be using an online AI-based chatbot called ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is a type of artificial intelligence called a "language model" that has been trained using a lot of text data from the internet. The program is designed to be able to understand and respond to human language, so people can interact with it like they would with another person. You can read more about it here.
To participate in this project, your child will need to create a ChatGPT account, which will require an email and phone number. Before using ChatGPT, all students will learn how to use the program safely. Students will be versed in OpenAI’s privacy policy and will be coached to use the tool for class purposes only, keeping all private information off the platform.
If you do not wish to give your permission for your child to create this account and utilize the chatbot as part of their classwork, please let us know by [insert date here].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
[Teacher's Name]
Sample 2
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are writing to inform you about an upcoming assignment, [Title], which is designed to include use of [AI / ChatGPT] as a learning tool in our [name of] class.
As discussed [in our recent Divisional Meeting / Parent Education event / etc.], artificial intelligence (AI) technology has tremendous potential to support our students’ learning, when used appropriately. For this assignment, students will be invited to use [ChatGPT] in order to [X, Y, Z examples]. We believe that this tool will help our students learn and grow in new and innovative ways; we also know that it has important limitations, which our class will discuss as an integral part of this learning process. We want to ensure that you are informed of how your child will be using this technology in the classroom.
We kindly request your consent for your child to utilize AI technology in this assignment [for the purposes outlined above]. Please read and complete the form below to confirm or withhold your consent.
______ I grant my consent for my child to participate in the assignment mentioned above, utilizing AI technology.
______ I withhold my consent for my child to participate in the assignment mentioned above, utilizing AI technology.
By signing this consent form, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information provided about the use of AI technology in the classroom [and our School’s Academic Integrity statement [linked]. I understand that my child will be taught how to properly use this tool, and that the school will take measures to ensure their safety and privacy. I also understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time by contacting the school.
Please sign and return this consent form [by X date]. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or would like additional information. We are looking forward to a great learning experience!
Sincerely,
[Teacher’s Name]
Sample General Letter
This sample from Petra doesn't request consent, rather it introduces the idea of AI in the classroom.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you about a new development in our school's curriculum. As you know, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have arrived on the scene and will be part of students’ lives. Since we strive to provide our students with the best possible education, we are exploring the possibilities of AI tools to enhance our students’ learning experience.
AI tools are designed to help students learn and develop their critical thinking skills. They can provide personalized feedback, adapt to the student's level of understanding, and offer the possibility for a more engaging and interactive classroom experience that can benefit our students. Since our students will encounter this new technology in their personal and professional futures, we consider it necessary to expose students to it.
We are aware that many questions may remain to be answered about AI tools, and we understand that you may have some concerns about the use of AI in the classroom. Please be assured that our teachers have been trained on how to use these tools and will monitor their use to ensure that they are being used appropriately.
We also want to emphasize that the use of AI tools in no way replaces the role of our teachers. Rather, it is a tool that they can use to potentially enhance their teaching and provide an even more personalized and effective learning experience for our students.
If you have any questions or concerns about the use of AI tools in the classroom, please do not hesitate to contact us. As always, we look forward to working with you to provide the best possible education for our students.
Sincerely,
[School Name or Senior Administrator’s Name (e.g. Head of School, Dean of Studies, etc.)]
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School]
Things to Consider
- How might schools consider involving parents in the process?
- What if this template doesn't work for our school?
- How might your school integrate its core values into the letter/policy?
- How does this impact schools with students under 13?
- How does this impact schools with students 13 and over?