Developing a Policy on Ethical AI: Ten Key Points to Understand
In a recent Tech & Learning webinar, Leigh Hall, Director of Research for Merlyn Mind, discussed the importance of AI in education and the need for a responsible AI policy for schools and districts.
Hall emphasized the need for a balanced approach, combining innovation with ethics, inclusivity, and transparency. The policy, she suggested, should cover several key aspects:
- Clear guidelines on ethical AI use to protect student privacy and data security. Districts should comply with local and national regulations, prioritize transparent communication, and ensure informed consent. They should also have secure storage and control over access to AI tools.
- Ensuring equitable access to AI benefits for diverse learners, without bias or discrimination. This can be achieved by using diverse datasets and promoting training to recognize AI bias and create protocols to monitor it.
- Transparency about AI tools and their impact on teaching and learning processes. Districts should fully disclose how AI is being used in educational settings and define the mechanisms for accountability.
- Staff and student training to foster understanding and responsible adoption of AI. This training should cover the benefits and potential risks of AI, as well as best practices for its use.
- Ongoing evaluation and adaptability of the policy to respond to emerging AI challenges and opportunities. This includes regular reviews and updates to ensure the policy remains effective and relevant.
Hall also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in AI usage. She recommended that districts fully disclose how AI is being used in educational settings and define the mechanisms for accountability.
The webinar covered key areas including student well-being, training and support, and ethical and safety standards. Hall suggested that districts should prioritize the well-being of students and provide adequate support to staff to ensure a smooth transition to AI-assisted learning.
The webinar was recorded and is available on demand for those who missed it. This framework aims to help education stakeholders navigate AI's transformative potential responsibly while addressing practical and ethical considerations.
- To effectively implement artificial-intelligence (AI) in schools, a balanced approach combining innovation with ethics, inclusivity, and transparency is crucial for professional development.
- Developing a responsible AI policy should include clear guidelines on ethical AI use to ensure student privacy, data security, and transparency, aligning with local and national regulations.
- Transparency about AI tools and their impact on teaching and learning processes is essential, mandating full disclosure of AI usage in educational settings and defining accountability mechanisms.
- A successful adoption of AI in education requires ongoing staff and student training, focusing on understanding AI benefits and risks, along with best practices for its appropriate use.
- The policy should aim to ensure equitable access to AI benefits for diverse learners, promoting training to recognize AI bias and create protocols to monitor it, without bias or discrimination.
- Personalized learning can greatly benefit from the integration of technology and AI, particularly in STEM subjects, but districts must prioritize student well-being, training, and support to ensure a smooth transition and responsible implementation in education-and-self-development.
