The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has issued a new framework governing how artificial intelligence tools can be used in private schools across the emirate, directly affecting how students complete homework and sit exams. Under the policy, pupils are permitted to use tools such as ChatGPT to research topics and explore ideas, but they are barred from submitting AI-generated material as their own original work. Where AI assistance is used, students must disclose it and independently verify any information the tool provides before relying on it.
Aisha Butti Al Ghafli, SPEA's Director of Curriculum and Assessment, said the framework reflects the authority's commitment to integrating modern technology into classrooms while safeguarding academic honesty. Schools have been told to redesign assessments so teachers can gauge a student's genuine understanding in real time, rather than depending solely on written assignments that could be produced by a chatbot.
Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, said the priority is preserving academic integrity, adding that students should not depend entirely on ChatGPT for their coursework. Dr Armeena Tabassum, principal of Raffles World Academy, said schools need to strike a balance between embracing new technology and protecting students' independent thinking skills.
The framework also sets out expectations around data protection, student privacy, cybersecurity and human oversight, aligning it with the UAE's broader national AI strategy. Teachers are expected to model responsible AI use in class, and parents are being encouraged to have their children attempt homework on their own first before turning to AI tools for support.
The rules apply across SPEA-regulated private schools and mark one of the most detailed emirate-level attempts yet to formalise classroom AI use as the technology becomes commonplace among students.