ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
COMPANION GUIDE Navigating the Future of Learning, Ethically and Effectively.
WELCOME to the latest edition of Doha College’s AI Companion Guide for pupils and parents — a resource designed to help our community navigate learning in the age of AI. Since we first released this guide in August 2023, artificial intelligence has continued to evolve rapidly, reshaping industries, education and the way we learn. At Doha College, we recognise both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this change. AI is increasingly part of our educational landscape, and our approach is grounded in our values of Discovery, Courage and Humanity. Discovery encourages our pupils to remain curious, explore new possibilities and understand how emerging technologies can enhance learning. Courage empowers them to think critically, question information and use new tools with confidence and integrity. Above all, Humanity reminds us that technology should support, rather than replace, the creativity, relationships, judgement and personal experiences that sit at the heart of education. While we continue to value established teaching methods, we also recognise that adaptability, critical thinking and responsible innovation are essential to preparing future-ready learners. Used thoughtfully and responsibly, AI can help our pupils discover new possibilities, develop their thinking and thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY
Shiraz Ahmed Head of Digital Learning Secondary
PUPIL GUIDANCE By following the guidelines below, you can ensure responsible and ethical use of AI tools, avoiding plagiarism, considering ethical implications, and mitigating bias. Embrace the power of AI while maintaining the integrity of your work and promoting fairness and inclusivity in the educational landscape.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is an age-old problem that educators have faced for generations. It is the act of presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper acknowledgement. With the rise of AI, it is essential to understand how to use these tools responsibly to avoid both intentional and unintentional plagiarism. Here are some guidelines:
1. Understand the purpose of AI tools:
AI tools, such as text generators or language models, can be valuable resources for brainstorming ideas or gaining insights. However, they should not be used to replace your own critical thinking and creativity. Use AI tools as aids to enhance your work, but always ensure that your final output represents your original thoughts and efforts. Exam boards now apply strict measures to all coursework and nonexamined assessments. Where AI use is permitted, it must be fully acknowledged — naming the tool, the date, and how it was used — and a record of the prompts and outputs kept. Where it is not permitted, it must not be used at all. Misuse is treated as malpractice.
2. Cite and attribute sources:
When using AI-generated content, make sure to properly attribute any external sources used by the AI system. If you incorporate ideas or content from AI tools into your work, give credit to the tool or platform used, along with any additional sources referenced. Follow the citation guidelines provided by your educational institution or teacher.
3. Understand the limitations:
AI tools are not flawless and can sometimes produce inaccurate or incomplete information. Doublecheck and verify any information generated by AI tools before including it in your work. Don’t solely rely on AI-generated content without critically evaluating its validity and reliability.
4. Develop your own voice:
While AI tools can assist in generating text, it is crucial to maintain your unique voice and style in your work. Don’t rely too heavily on AI-generated content to shape your ideas. Take the time to develop your critical thinking skills and express your thoughts and opinions in an authentic manner. Think carefully about cutting corners. Overreliance on AI will inevitably lead to you deskilling in critical thinking and essay writing and will have a negative impact on your progress and potentially your exam grade!
ETHICS
As pupils, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of using AI tools. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind: 1. Privacy and data protection: Be aware of the data you provide when using AI tools. Read and understand the privacy policies of the platforms you use and ensure they align with your comfort level. Avoid sharing personal information that is not necessary for the functionality of the AI tools. 2. Fair use and intellectual property: Respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights. Avoid using AI tools to infringe upon the copyrighted material of others. Only use AI-generated content in accordance with fair use guidelines, which allow for limited use of copyrighted material for educational purposes. 3. Avoid malicious use: Do not use AI tools to generate or spread inappropriate, harmful, or offensive content. Be mindful of the impact your AI-generated content may have on others and ensure that it adheres to ethical standards. 4. Accountability and responsibility: Take responsibility for your AI-generated work. Understand that even though an AI tool may have generated the content, you are responsible for its usage and its impact on others. Be transparent about the involvement of AI tools in your work when required.
BIAS
AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate bias, reinforcing existing social, cultural, or gender disparities. As pupils, it’s crucial to be aware of and mitigate bias when using AI tools. Consider the following: 1. Diversify your sources: When using AI tools, seek a diverse range of sources and perspectives to ensure a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of a topic. Avoid relying solely on a single AI tool or platform. 2. Question the data: Understand that bias can be introduced into AI systems through biased training data. Be critical of the data sources used to train AI models and question the potential biases they may contain. Advocate for diverse and representative datasets to minimise bias in AI technologies. 3. Evaluate AI-generated content: Scrutinise AI-generated content for any potential bias, stereotypes, or unfair generalisations. Challenge and question the outputs to ensure they align with ethical and inclusive principles. 4. Advocate for transparency: Encourage transparency from AI tool developers and providers regarding their algorithms and potential biases. Support initiatives that promote fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI development and usage.
DC AI ASSIGNMENT GUIDE All pupils use the DC AI Assignment Guide in their lessons, as directed by their teachers. This chart clarifies the appropriate and explicit use of AI in any task, activity or assessment, so you understand what is and isn’t permitted. For tasks that prohibit AI use entirely, you will sign an Academic Honesty Pledge confirming that the work has been solely created by you. This practice fosters a culture of academic integrity by helping you recognise when AI use is acceptable and when it is not. Your teacher will explain which level you are working at before you start a project, essay or assessment.
Zero to Hero – No AI
Idea Assist – Some AI
Edit Assist – Some AI
This work is to be completed entirely without AI assistance. AI must not be used at any point during completion, ensuring you rely solely on your own knowledge, understanding and skills. In preparing for this work, AI can help by testing, quizzing or creating flashcards — but it must not be used to create any work that is to be learned or reproduced. You will sign an Academic Honesty Pledge.
No AI-generated content is allowed in the final piece of submitted work. However, AI may be used for brainstorming, structuring or generating ideas. The prompts asked and responses generated must be added to the disclosure statement before submission. An AI disclosure statement must be included.
AI may be used to improve the quality of work that has been solely created by you. This includes improvements to spelling, punctuation and grammar, ordering, clarity or organisation. An AI disclosure statement must be included, and links / chat history submitted with your final work.
Task Assist – Some AI
Dream Team – Full AI
AI is used to complete certain elements of the work, as specified by your teacher. This level requires critical engagement with AI-generated content and careful evaluation of its output. You are responsible for providing human oversight of all AIgenerated content. All AI-created content must be cited at the end of the work, and links / chat history submitted with your final work.
You may use AI throughout the task as a genuine collaborator, in whatever way supports your learning. AI acts as a co-pilot to extend your own thinking and creativity, not to replace it — you remain fully responsible for providing human oversight and critical evaluation of all AI-generated content. All AI-created content must be cited at the end of the work, and links / chat history submitted with your final work.
We want AI to help you learn however, AI should not “do” the work for you at any stage of your planning, preparation or production.
SOME WAYS AI CAN HELP PupilS STUDY OR REVISE 1. Personalising Learning: AI can analyse individual pupil’s learning patterns, strengths, and weaknesses to create personalised study plans and adaptive learning experiences. 2. Intelligent Tutoring: AI-powered tutoring systems can provide immediate feedback, explanations, and additional resources to help pupils understand complex concepts and improve their performance. 3. Language Support: AI language tools can assist pupils in improving their writing skills, grammar, and vocabulary by providing suggestions and corrections in real-time. 4. Virtual Learning Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants can answer pupils’ questions, provide explanations, and offer guidance on a wide range of topics, enhancing self-directed learning. 5. Content Recommendations: AI algorithms can suggest relevant educational resources, books, articles, and videos based on pupils’ interests and previous engagement, facilitating comprehensive learning. 6. Study Planning and Organisation: AI tools can help pupils manage their time effectively by creating study schedules, setting reminders, and organising tasks based on priority and difficulty level. 7. Data Analysis and Insights: AI can analyse large volumes of educational data to identify patterns, trends, and areas where pupils may need additional support, enabling targeted interventions. 8. Gamified Learning: AI can incorporate gamification elements into learning experiences, making studying more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable for pupils. 9. Language Translation: AI-powered translation tools can assist pupils in understanding and translating content in different languages, promoting language learning and cross-cultural understanding. 10. Exam Preparation: AI platforms can offer practice tests, simulate exam environments, and provide personalised feedback to help pupils prepare effectively for exams and assessments.
PARENT GUIDANCE As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s education. AI technologies offer new opportunities to enhance your child’s learning experience. This guide provides practical insights on how to support your child at home in using AI responsibly, while ensuring they do not engage in plagiarism.
1. Familiarise Yourself with AI Tools: Take the time to understand the AI tools available for educational purposes. Research and explore different AI platforms and applications that can support your child’s learning. Familiarise yourself with their features, functionalities, and potential benefits.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate with your child about the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. Discuss the importance of originality and the consequences of plagiarism. Emphasise that AI should be used as a tool to assist learning, not as a substitute for their own efforts and critical thinking.
3. Encourage Critical Thinking: Emphasise the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Teach your child to question and analyse the information generated by AI tools. Help them understand that AI-generated content should be evaluated, verified, and supplemented with their own knowledge and insights.
4. Teach Proper Attribution: Educate your child the importance of giving credit to original sources when using AI-generated content. Teach them how to properly cite and attribute any external sources used by AI tools. Show them examples of correct citation formats and provide guidance on referencing resources.
5. Monitor and Supervise: While encouraging independence, it’s important to monitor and supervise your child’s AI tool usage. Be aware of the platforms being used and the type of content they are generating. Set appropriate boundaries and time limits to ensure a balanced approach to learning.
6. Explore AI Tools Together: Engage in learning activities with your child that involves AI tools. Explore interactive learning platforms, virtual tutors, or language support tools together. This will not only provide an opportunity for bonding but also allow you to guide and monitor their AI tool usage.
7. Discuss Ethical Considerations: Engage your child in discussions about the ethical implications of AI. Talk about privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of AI technologies. Encourage them to consider the impact of AI on society, and to be mindful of potential biases or stereotypes that may arise from AI-generated content.
8. Foster a Love for Learning: While AI tools can enhance the learning experience, encourage your child to explore traditional learning methods also. Encourage reading books, engaging in hands-on activities, and having discussions that promote critical thinking and creativity.
9. Collaborate with Educators: Maintain open lines of communication with your child’s teachers and educators. Discuss the integration of AI tools into the curriculum and seek their guidance on how to support your child’s learning journey effectively. Collaborate with them to ensure a cohesive approach to using AI responsibly.
10. Be a Role Model: Lead by example and demonstrate responsible AI usage yourself. Show your child how you critically evaluate information, give credit to sources, and utilise AI tools appropriately. Your actions and attitudes towards AI will shape their understanding and behaviour. By following these guidelines, you can support your child in using AI tools responsibly and help them understand the importance of originality, critical thinking, and ethical behaviour. Together, you can create a supportive learning environment where AI is used as a valuable tool to enhance their educational journey. By implementing the solutions below: you can actively monitor your child’s progress, foster critical thinking skills, and ensure a balanced approach to learning that minimises over-reliance on AI tools.
11. Understand AI Companions and Watch for Over-Reliance
Not all AI tools are study tools. Some apps act as AI “companions” or character chatbots, designed to feel like a friend and keep users talking — different from the learning tools in this guide, and easy to over-rely on. Stay aware of how and why your child uses AI: occasional help with work is healthy; turning to it for friendship or emotional support is not. Encourage real-world relationships and offline interests, and speak to the school if you have concerns.
12. Check Age and Data Requirements
Most AI tools set a minimum age — commonly 13, sometimes 18 — and many require parental consent for younger users. Check a tool’s terms before your child signs up. Be mindful of data too: avoid sharing personal details such as full names, addresses, or photos, and be aware that many AI tools use conversations to train their systems unless you opt out. Review the privacy settings together.
WAYS YOU CAN MONITOR YOUR CHILD’S USE OF AI AT HOME 1. Regular Check-ins and Discussions: Regularly check-in with your child about their schoolwork and progress. Engage in discussions to understand their understanding of concepts and their thought processes. Foster open communication to ensure active engagement and minimise reliance on AI tools.
2. Promote Offline Learning and Activities: Encourage your child to engage in offline learning activities that promote hands-on experiences and critical thinking. Encourage reading books, participating in experiments, working on creative projects, or engaging in physical activities to develop well-rounded skills and prevent over-reliance on AI tools.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries: Establish clear expectations regarding the use of AI tools. Discuss appropriate situations for utilising AI and emphasise the importance of independent thinking and creativity. Set boundaries on AI tool usage, such as time limits or specific tasks, to ensure a balanced approach to learning.
4. Review and Assess Completed Work: Regularly review and assess your child’s completed work, assignments, or projects. Provide constructive feedback that focuses on critical thinking and analysis. Encourage them to explain their thought processes and reasoning, promoting independent thinking and reducing reliance on AI-generated content.
5. Encourage Collaboration and Peer Learning: Promote collaboration and peer learning opportunities for your child. Encourage working with classmates or friends on group projects or study sessions. Collaborative activities foster active engagement, discussions, and diverse perspectives, enhancing critical thinking skills and reducing dependence on AI as the sole source of information or ideas.
WHAT WE DO AS EDUCATORS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL: We are committed to exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI in education, proactively researching the most effective ways to implement it in the classroom. Our Digital Strategy Group brings together staff from across the school community to ensure Doha College remains at the cutting edge of educational provision in a safe and appropriate manner. While we proudly maintain our 1:1 iPad programme, we also value established teaching methods. Most formative and summative assessments are either handwritten or delivered verbally through presentations. When pupils submit work digitally, our staff are trained to recognise work that is not pupil-produced, and regular marking of books and assessments means every teacher becomes familiar with their pupils’ writing styles. We have also created a bespoke DC AI Assignment Guide, which sets out the permitted levels of AI use for any task (see page 5).
PREVENTATIVE METHODS THROUGH EDUCATION: All pupils participate in a digital induction assembly at the start of each academic year to ensure digital expectations are understood. All pupils complete an Acceptable Use of Technology agreement at the start of the year to reinforce their understanding of digital expectations. All pupils have their iPads checked by their form tutor to confirm they are being successfully monitored by our MDM. Pupils receive digital safety, academic integrity and digital wellbeing information throughout the year via assemblies, Computer Science, PSHE and other curriculum subjects. Each year, pupils take part in a fully immersive, week-long Digital Awareness Week to mark Safer Internet Day. Pupils also take part in an immersive, week-long Media Literacy Week, focusing on critical thinking around how and what they consume online.
BLOCKING AND MONITORING TO ENSURE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: All teachers have access to technology such as Jamf MDM, which can instantly block internet access on iPads whenever pupils need to produce work independently. Google Classroom allows teachers to verify pupils’ digital submissions using its originality reports. Most teachers know their pupils’ writing style, ability and understanding. Where plagiarism is suspected, teachers may check understanding through discussion, further presentations, or rewriting of work — and follow up in line with the school’s academic integrity and malpractice procedures.
AI @ DOHA COLLEGE A timeline of our approach to AI and how we have embraced the technology while empowering the pupils, staff and wider community.
RESEARCH
EDUCATION
This phase started in November 2022 when ChatGPT came on the scene. Research and reading was conducted by a teacher working party and a working document was shared with all listing key information, prompts, further reading etc.
In February 2023, as part of Internet Safety Week, staff and pupils were exposed to AI activities and education. Access to ChatGPT in school was given. ICT Policies adapted to cover AI use.
EXPLORATION
CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
Knowing AI was a game-changer, we explored a variety of AI tools — their strengths and weaknesses in education — and began refining our approach. Our School AI companion guide was written to support pupils and parents, and a range of AI tools was introduced to support staff.
AI LITERACY & CURRICULUM
2024 onwards. AI literacy and our DC AI Assignment Guide became embedded across the curriculum, with clear, consistent expectations for AI use in every subject. Staff CPD continued to build confidence and capability.
August 2023 onwards. This phase allowed staff to try a variety of AI related tools as well as participate in a bespoke 2hr AI training session in January 2023. A variety of tools were demonstrated and staff were given time to explore them.
AI AWARENESS In January 2024, we launched AI awareness month to communicate fully with our DC community about our use of AI in education and how we are using AI ethically and responsibly. Parent workshop delivered.
GOVERNANCE, POLICY & IMPLEMENTATIONS Internal staff and pupil policies show robust AI features, AI literacy built into curriculum in both primary and secondary and JCQ AI frameworks shared with all staff. Strategy presented to governors and approved.
AI TOOLS @ DOHA COLLEGE Below are the tools we currently use across the school.
WAYGROUND
BRISKAI
CANVA
Our pro subscription gives staff and pupils access to interactive quizzes, lessons and activities with AI-assisted question generation — making lessons more engaging while keeping teachers in control of the content.
An in-document (Google) feedback and resource-creation tool for staff, supporting faster marking, feedback and resource generation directly within Google documents.
Through our full Pro Education licence, Canva provides a range of AI-powered design features that make creating high-quality resources quicker and easier for both staff and pupils.
EDPUZZLE
SENECA
Edpuzzle offers AI-enhanced features that save valuable time, including auto-grading and AI-generated questions from video content. It also helps us control and curate material to ensure it is appropriate for our context.
Seneca is an online learning and revision platform offering interactive courses, quizzes and adaptive review across a wide range of subjects. Our subscription gives pupils access to smart, self-paced revision that adapts to how well they know each topic, with instant feedback to help them identify and close gaps in their understanding.
Top 10 Skills on the Rise by 2030 Source: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025
1. AI and big data 2. Networks and cybersecurity 3. Technological literacy 4. Creative thinking 5. Resilience, flexibility and agility 6. Curiosity and lifelong learning 7. Leadership and social influence 8. Talent management 9. Analytical thinking 10. Environmental stewardship
DIGITA L
ON ATI IC
D COMMUN AN
COMMITTEE
“
AI in education will help us understand how we think. Rose Luckin
”
co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education