As AI becomes increasingly present in schools, one of the biggest challenges for leaders and teachers is not access to tools, but confidence. Confidence in understanding what AI is, how it works, where the risks sit and how to talk about it with pupils, parents and colleagues. That is why today’s Appvent entry focuses not on a single product, but on a body of work that supports informed, responsible decision making.
Common Sense has long been trusted by schools for its guidance on digital citizenship, media literacy and online safety. Its growing collection of AI resources builds on that foundation and offers something schools need right now: clear, age-appropriate, educator-focused support for navigating AI thoughtfully.
AI Resource of the Day: Common Sense AI
Rather than positioning AI as something to fear or blindly adopt, Common Sense frames it as something to understand. Their AI resources are designed to help schools build shared understanding around how AI systems work, how they are used and what ethical considerations need to sit alongside them.
The materials span pupils, teachers and school leaders. They include classroom-ready lessons, explainer content, guidance on AI literacy and practical discussion prompts that help schools move beyond surface-level conversations. The emphasis throughout is on agency, transparency and critical thinking rather than compliance or restriction.
Educational Impact
What makes Common Sense’s AI resources so valuable is that they support culture as much as classroom practice. They help schools establish a shared language around AI and provide a structured way to explore topics such as bias, data use, reliability and responsible decision making.
For pupils, the resources support AI literacy without oversimplifying complex ideas. They encourage learners to question outputs, recognise limitations and understand that AI systems are designed by humans with assumptions built in. This is essential groundwork for any school that wants pupils to use AI tools thoughtfully rather than passively.
For teachers, the materials offer clear explanations, practical scenarios and ready-made resources that can be used directly or adapted. This supports you in having confident conversations in lessons without requiring you to become AI specialists.
For leaders, the value lies in consistency. The resources support policy development, staff training and parental communication, helping you take a joined-up approach rather than reacting in fragments.
Practical Application
You can use the Common Sense AI resources in several ways.
For the classroom, you can draw on age-appropriate lessons to explore what AI is, where it appears in everyday life and how it should be questioned. These sessions fit naturally within digital citizenship, PSHE and computing curricula.
For staff development, the resources provide a strong foundation for CPD. They work well as discussion starters in staff meetings or as part of wider digital strategy conversations, helping colleagues reflect on both opportunities and risks (although obviously having an expert such as myself running an inset or a twilight works very well too, using the Common Sense resources to follow up on beyond an inspiration/hands-on session).
At a leadership level, the guidance supports decision-making around AI use in schools. It helps frame policies, clarify expectations and ensure safeguarding, equity and transparency are considered alongside innovation.
The strength of this approach is that it supports understanding before adoption. It helps schools slow down just enough to make better choices.
Considerations and Tips
Use the resources as a starting point for conversation rather than a fixed script. The real value comes from discussion and reflection.
- Adapt materials to your context. What works for one phase or community may need adjusting for another.
- Involve staff early. Shared understanding reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
- Return to the resources regularly. AI is evolving quickly and ongoing literacy matters.
Conclusion
Common Sense’s AI resources offer schools something increasingly rare in the AI space: calm, clear and credible guidance. They support pupils to become informed users, teachers to feel confident leading discussions and leaders to make thoughtful, ethical decisions.
At a time when AI conversations can feel polarised or rushed, this body of work helps schools build understanding first and act with intention.
Join me tomorrow for Day 14 of the Appvent Calendar as we continue exploring approaches that support thoughtful, responsible use of AI in education.
Please do comment, like, repost and share so your PLN can learn too ☺️
