HCOS & Flex AI Literacy Model
At HCOS and Flex, we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a part of life. We want to help our students learn how to use AI wisely without losing the skills that make them thoughtful and creative. Our goal is for students to become wise, discerning, and creative learners, rooted in God’s love, who can use AI for good in school and in life.
Why We Teach AI
-
We want students to be AI-equipped, not AI-dependent. AI can help with learning, but it should never replace critical thinking or personal responsibility.
-
We aim to teach students to see the line between when AI is helpful and when it gets in the way of authentic learning and growth.
What Students Learn
We teach about AI in ways that match appropriate student development:
-
Middle School: Students learn what AI is, how it shows up in daily life (e.g., ads, images, online searches), and why safety and honesty matter.
-
High School: Students go deeper with AI by using it for projects, problem-solving, and research. They practice checking facts, thinking critically, and exploring how AI affects society, all while keeping a Christian perspective.
Core Focus Areas
Students practice:
-
Privacy & Fairness: Keeping information safe and watching for bias in AI.
-
Critical Thinking: Asking questions and checking if AI answers are accurate.
-
Creativity: Using AI to support ideas, while still using their own imagination.
-
Human Connection: Remembering that AI is a tool, not a replacement for people.
-
Integrity: Using AI responsibly, within clear boundaries.
How AI is Used in Courses
Teachers set clear rules for using AI in Grades 7–12. There are three levels:
-
Limited Use: Students should not use generative AI without the teacher’s permission, except in special cases.
-
Partial Use: Permits some use with guidance and/or with citations and supplemental material.
-
Full Use: Focuses on allowing and encouraging generative AI use to demonstrate to students both limitations and possibilities.
No matter the level, students must always do their own work and cite AI correctly when used.