How Nova Scotia’s largest public school system is building AI literacy in classrooms

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE)— which operates 136 public schools throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality and serves more than 60,000 students and families — is taking a measured, student-centred approach to integrating these tools into classrooms.“This is uncharted territory,” says Chris Cocek, HRCE’s Technology Integration and AI Lead (TILT), in Episode 77 of All Hands On Tech. “Even though AI is here, it’s only been three years that we’ve been using this level of artificial intelligence.”In response to this rapid evolution, HRCE introduced itsArtificial Intelligence Guidelines to ensure AI is used in ways that are ethical, safe and inclusive for all students and its more than 11,000 teachersacross the district. The guidelines also outline what responsible integration looks like and that “teachers, students, parents, and community members should be engaged in ongoing discussions about AI’s role in the classroom,” emphasizing transparency and shared responsibility.“Our position is ‘to go fast you’ve got to go slow,’” says Cocek. “We’re not mandating that AI use be completed with students at all. We’re looking at AI literacy as the foundation. We want people to be knowledgeable about this first and understand how to use AI in a safe and ethical manner. We’re starting with teachers and gradually educating our students.”Under Cocek’s leadership, HRCE has developed clear, one-page guidelines for teachers, students and families. These resources outline five key principles — ethical use, safety and well-being, academic integrity, critical thought and AI literacy — forming a foundation for how AI tools can support learning without replacing critical thinking. The guidelines also emphasize understanding AI’s limitations, including bias and data privacy concerns.Last year, HRCE conducted an AI pilot involving teachers from 40 schools. The pilot created space for educators to test tools, share feedback and identify best practices. Building on that work, each school now has an AI Lead to support staff and facilitate knowledge-sharing across the district.In classrooms, integration looks different depending on grade level and teacher comfort. In primary grades, for example, educators may use AI-generated images to help students strengthen digital and media literacy skills — learning to question and critically assess what they see online. For students aged 13 and older, HRCE provides a “heavily guardrailed” version of Google Gemini in a learning-only environment.“Nobody has AI down to a science. We’re all working together to figure it out,” says Cocek. “At HRCE, the focus isn’t how AI is going to change education, but how is AI going to make education better.”Cocek sees potential in areas like differentiation, including supporting English language learners by translating materials. “It’s breaking down barriers,” he says.To support educators beyond AI guidance, HRCE’s educational technology framework highlights how digital tools — from interactive platforms to multimedia apps — enrich learning and personalize education for every student.To hear the full conversation, listen to All Hands On Tech Episode 77: How HRCE is navigating artificial intelligence in public education, available wherever you get your podcasts. https://youtu.be/ov7kP6vB5dA