Summary
Canton Zurich’s Volksschulamt (primary school office) developed five guiding principles for schools to use AI in education. Rather than imposing rigid regulations, the canton provides principles-based guidance to help schools integrate AI meaningfully while ensuring ethical use and equitable access.
Five Principles
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Recognition and Openness: Schools recognize the importance of AI as an integral part of modern society and are open to it. Students discover and learn together with the school how to work with AI.
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Creative Tool Support: Schools use AI as a creative tool to support and inspire, creating innovative learning opportunities and fostering individual development.
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Critical Understanding: Schools promote understanding of AI by conveying basic knowledge, possibilities, and limitations, strengthening critical thinking and ethical action.
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Equitable Access: Schools guarantee that all students have access to new AI opportunities, regardless of their origin or socioeconomic status.
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Legal and Data Protection Compliance: Schools ensure that access to and use of AI comply with data protection requirements and legal provisions.
Context
This initiative emerged from the recognition that AI is reshaping the education landscape. The Bildungsdirektion Zürich is responsible for primary schools, secondary schools, vocational education, higher education, and continuing education across the canton. The principles serve as a foundation for schools to adapt to their specific contexts while maintaining consistent quality and ethical standards.
Status
Active policy framework; applies to all public primary and secondary schools in the canton.