What Are AI Ethics in Educational Programmes?
In October (17-18), I attended a workshop on Explainable AI (XAI) for the European Digital Education Hub in Brussels with a diverse group of policymakers, researchers and practitioners.
The workshop focused on the future of Explainable AI systems in classrooms. We directly addressed the implications of AI in education, emphasising the critical importance and impact of transparent AI Systems in teaching and learning. This was a significant opportunity to engage, learn, and actively shape the future of AI!
Our work has emphasised AI policy suggestions considered by the European Education Commission. We drew inspiration from the AI Competency Frameworks for Teachers and Students, which outline the knowledge, skills, and values essential in the age of AI. We supported a human-centred mindset, ethical AI use and practical applications.
These ethical guidelines promote responsible AI usage in education. Educational leaders should focus on providing teacher training and enhancing students’ skills in AI, rather than penalising them with AI detectors for potential plagiarism. This issue often affects non-native speakers, neurodivergent students, and those with learning difficulties. This can lead to mental distress.
Additionally, we explored various cultural and social perspectives on the use of AI in education.
Understanding different cultures, fostering humanistic (human-centric) values and developing empathy can facilitate dialogue among people. It can also support the creation of ethical, inclusive and transparent AI systems in our educational settings.
AI should be transparent, culturally sensitive, and designed to promote well-being while adhering to clear ethical guidelines. AI is not just a technical requirement; it should represent a new critical literacy and thinking skill to understand and trust these systems.
With the increase of AI tools in education, teaching philosophy, ethics and critical thinking is no longer a privilege exclusive to elite universities. These essential skills should be included in a broader educational agenda to create equal opportunities (UNESCO) for students from all backgrounds. Expanding access means equipping diverse learners with the ability to critically engage with AI tools, question their biases, and ensure responsible AI.
