Winston-Salem schools set AI guidelines, allow limited student access
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools updated its technology policy to permit generative AI use in classrooms, effective immediately. The district now allows students to access approved tools including Google Gemini and education-focused platforms, with access varying by grade level.
The update expands existing rules rather than creating new ones. Under Policy 6161, AI use must comply with long-standing expectations for academic honesty, data privacy, and responsible technology use.
"Our acceptable use policy governs how students and staff access technology, what was not included in that policy was how do they also ethically use AI," said Paula Wilkins, the district's Chief Academic Officer.
What students can and cannot do
Students and staff are accountable for anything created with AI, including its accuracy and integrity. The policy explicitly prohibits using AI to cheat, misrepresent work, violate privacy, or create misleading or harmful content.
Younger students focus on learning what AI is. Older students begin using it in supervised settings.
Teacher training comes first
AI is not required in classrooms. Teachers are being trained before integrating it into lessons, Wilkins said.
"We want educators to feel comfortable before they then introduce that to students," she said.
Prior to February, students had no access to AI platforms on the district network, said Ashley McCormack, director of personalized and digital learning.
Student perspectives
Students have mixed reactions to expanded AI access. Steven Beasley, a Carver High School student, uses AI when struggling with questions but said he scaled back his use after relying on it too heavily.
"It made me feel like I was kind of leaning back on the class like I'm a dead weight," Beasley said.
Teacher Nicole Westbury warns against depending on AI as a shortcut. "I have a love-hate relationship with AI," she said. "I really want them to use their own thinking skills instead of using AI as a crutch."
Westbury also noted that AI isn't always reliable. "Sometimes AI gives you jargon that sounds right, but it's not," she said.
The broader goal
District leaders framed the policy update as preparation for a future where AI is unavoidable. "We're not building cheaters," Wilkins said. "We're building informed citizens that can use AI for the better good."
Educators looking to understand AI implementation in schools can explore AI for Education resources or consider an AI Learning Path for Teachers to develop classroom integration skills.
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