Introduction to AI Ethics
AI ethics refers to the moral principles guiding the design and use of artificial intelligence technologies. In education, ethical AI use is crucial to maintaining fairness, academic integrity, and respect for privacy.
Common Ethical Issues with AI in Academia
- Bias and Fairness: AI systems may unintentionally perpetuate bias in their algorithms, especially if the data they are trained on is incomplete or skewed. For example, a chatbot could offer biased responses if its dataset reflects historical inequities.
- Privacy Concerns: Many AI tools collect and store user data. When using AI for academic work, avoid sharing personal or sensitive information that could be stored or shared by third parties.
- Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: AI tools can generate content, but using these tools without proper attribution raises serious ethical concerns about plagiarism. Students and faculty must be transparent about their use of AI.
How to Use AI Responsibly
- Students: Always ensure that AI is used as a support tool rather than a shortcut to bypass genuine learning. Follow Park University’s and your instructors' academic integrity policies, which may specify how AI can be used.
- Faculty: When incorporating AI into coursework, be clear with students about acceptable use. This includes guidance on whether AI can be used for specific tasks, such as brainstorming or proofreading, and setting clear standards for attribution.
Academic Integrity Policies
Park University has policies regarding plagiarism and academic honesty. Ensure that the use of AI tools is transparent and adheres to the following guidelines:
- Disclosure: Students must disclose when they use AI tools in their work.
- Supervised Use: Faculty can create assignments that encourage responsible use of AI, like using AI for brainstorming or proofreading but requiring final drafts to be original.