The 6th Day of Edtech: Focusing on Ethical AI Use in Education
Key Points:
- The integration of AI in education requires a systemic imperative for K-12 school districts to cultivate an ethically-driven mindset.
- The district, school, classroom/teacher, and student are four key spaces where AI use must be navigated with a moral compass.
- Four guiding questions for each space can help jumpstart the process of embedding AI ethics in education.
The 6th Day of Edtech: Focusing on Ethical AI Use in Education
The summer of 2023 brought with it a declaration from our Executive Director of Technology that it would be the Summer of AI. As a digital learning team, we were assigned the responsibility of exploring the full spectrum of AI in education. The broad nature of this request led to investigations of AI in cybersecurity, data science, marketing, healthcare, and education.
Our AI deep dive resulted in the development of three guiding principles: high standards and expectations, future-ready skills, and cultural proficiency. Each principle directly aligns with the district’s vision, mission, and core values. The three guiding principles have become the foundation which underpins all AI professional development, communication, and future planning.
District: The Foundation of Ethical AI Integration
At the district level, ethical AI use is about setting a precedent. Districts must develop guidelines that balance innovation with responsibility. These guidelines should address privacy, equity, and security while fostering an environment where AI tools enhance cultural proficiency and educational standards. Questions for the district might include:
- How can we create AI usage guidelines that respect student and teacher privacy and ensure equitable access to technology?
- What measures will we implement to monitor the impact of AI and adjust our strategies accordingly?
- In what ways will our investment in AI technologies reflect our dedication to cultural competency and educational excellence?
School: Building an Ethical AI Culture
Schools must create a learning environment where ethical AI use is part of the culture. This involves professional development for staff, inclusive innovation, and community engagement to demystify AI. Potential questions include:
- How can we establish a school culture that values ethical considerations in the use of AI?
- What training can we provide to empower our educators to integrate AI ethically into their teaching practices?
- In what ways can we involve parents and the community in our journey toward responsible AI use?
Teacher: The Ethical AI Practitioner
Teachers are the front-line practitioners of ethical AI use in the classroom. They are responsible for selecting, implementing, and evaluating AI tools that support their pedagogical goals and students’ needs. They are also role models for their students, demonstrating critical thinking and ethical reasoning when using AI. Potential questions include:
- How can we assess the quality, reliability, and suitability of AI tools for our learning objectives and contexts?
- How can we ensure that the AI tools we use are fair, transparent, and accountable, and do not introduce or reinforce biases or discrimination?
- How can we foster a culture of inquiry and reflection among our students, encouraging them to question the ethical implications of AI use and generation?
Student: The Ethical AI Learner
Students are the primary beneficiaries and users of AI in education. They are expected to engage with AI tools as learners, creators, and consumers of content. They are also the future citizens and leaders who will shape the direction and impact of AI in society. Potential questions include:
- How can we develop the skills and competencies that enable us to use AI effectively and responsibly for our learning and personal growth?
- How can we express our creativity and originality with AI tools, while respecting the intellectual property and moral rights of others?
- How can we critically evaluate the AI-generated content that we encounter, and challenge the assumptions and values that underlie it?
Conclusion
The journey toward integrating AI into K-12 education ethically is a collaborative endeavor requiring engagement at all levels. By addressing the unique considerations within districts, schools, classrooms, and the student body, we lay the groundwork for an education system that not only prepares students for the future but does so with a strong ethical foundation. This article serves as a call to action for educational leaders to engage with AI responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances the learning experience without compromising our commitment to our core human and organizational values.
References
Akgun, S., Greenhow, C. Artificial intelligence in education: Addressing ethical challenges in K-12 settings. AI Ethics 2, 431–440 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-021-00096-7
Hagendorff, T. The Ethics of AI Ethics: An Evaluation of Guidelines. Minds & Machines 30, 99–120 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-020-09517-8
Holter, A., Rummel, & Skadsem, H. (2023) Bloomington Public Schools: Digital Learning AI One-Pager. https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR-N4hgLDay6Io5LnEoq7IDqUU_H0g10s-Z5UbfiJET-JlrH_OTUf_8j0akNJAfc9MLlOimZuirHSWG/pub
Holter, A., Rummel, & Skadsem, H. (2024) Bloomington Public Schools: AI in BPS- Guiding Principle https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WHTy3Uc0uMwLOZ68yidZwwz7o3K4UpgBVK4wEiCWAOM/edit?usp=sharing
Nguyen, A., Ngo, H.N., Hong, Y. et al. Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education. Educ Inf Technol 28, 4221–4241 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11316-w
FAQs
Q: What are the key points for ethical AI use in education?
A: The key points for ethical AI use in education include balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring privacy, equity, and security, and fostering an environment where AI tools enhance cultural proficiency and educational standards.
Q: How can we ensure that AI tools are used ethically in education?
A: We can ensure that AI tools are used ethically in education by developing guidelines that balance innovation with responsibility, providing training for educators, and involving parents and the community in the process.
Q: What are the guiding questions for each space in which AI use must be navigated with a moral compass?
A: The guiding questions for each space include:
- District: How can we create AI usage guidelines that respect student and teacher privacy and ensure equitable access to technology?
- School: How can we establish a school culture that values ethical considerations in the use of AI?
- Teacher: How can we assess the quality, reliability, and suitability of AI tools for our learning objectives and contexts?
- Student: How can we develop the skills and competencies that enable us to use AI effectively and responsibly for our learning and personal growth?
Q: What is the conclusion of this article?
A: The conclusion of this article is that the journey toward integrating AI into K-12 education ethically is a collaborative endeavor requiring engagement at all levels. By addressing the unique considerations within districts, schools, classrooms, and the student body, we can lay the groundwork for an education system that prepares students for the future while doing so with a strong ethical foundation.
