A recent article published by Kathryn Conrad, a University of Kansas professor of English, introduces a compelling proposal for an “AI Bill of Rights in Education.” The article, released as a sneak preview in July 2023 by the journal Critical AI, offers a comprehensive framework to foster responsible AI integration into education. This development comes amidst growing concerns and discussions about AI’s impact on academia.
Kathryn Conrad’s proposal for an “AI Bill of Rights in Education” is a timely response to the increasing presence of AI in the education sector. While AI technology has the potential to revolutionize learning, it also raises significant ethical and practical questions. Conrad, known for her work at the intersection of technology and culture, particularly in Irish modernism, believes universities can play a crucial role in advocating for the responsible use of AI.
Empowering educators and students
The proposed AI Bill of Rights consists of two main components: rights for educators and student rights.
Rights for educators
Educators are expected to have input on institutional decisions related to the purchase and implementation of AI tools. This crucial involvement ensures that AI technologies align with institutions’ educational objectives and values. Additionally, educators should be included in developing policies regarding AI usage and receive professional development and training in AI-related areas. Autonomy in decision-making and legal protection further empowers educators in navigating the AI landscape.
Rights for students
Students, too, have rights in the proposed framework. They should receive guidance on using AI tools in the classroom, ensuring that they understand how AI can be a valuable resource for learning. Moreover, students deserve privacy and creative control over their work, safeguarding their intellectual property. In cases where academic misconduct related to AI is alleged, students should have the right to appeal. Lastly, students should be informed when instructors or institutions employ automated processes to assess their assignments, ensuring transparency in AI utilization.
Critical AI literacy
Central to Conrad’s proposal is the concept of critical AI literacy. This literacy involves understanding how generative AI functions and recognizing the ethical considerations, labor and copyright issues, and privacy concerns associated with AI. Conrad emphasizes that it is essential for both educators and students to possess this critical AI literacy to make informed decisions regarding AI’s role in education.
While AI, represented by models like ChatGPT, has garnered significant attention, Conrad raises critical questions about its integration into education. She challenges the assumption that AI tools like chatbots are necessities in educational settings. The origins of these tools, often developed by individuals with different priorities and perspectives, merit careful consideration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s plans to establish an OpenAI Academy run by chatbots underscore the need to evaluate AI tool adoption in education critically.
Understanding AI limitations
Crucially, Conrad underscores the importance of recognizing AI’s limitations. Although AI, like ChatGPT, can produce written content, it does not guarantee factual accuracy. Instead, it generates responses that are plausible but not necessarily correct. This distinction highlights the need for users, both educators and students, to critically assess AI-generated content and not rely on it blindly.
Universities as leaders
In the midst of these discussions, universities have the potential to assume a leadership role in shaping the responsible use of AI in education. Conrad envisions universities as centers for high-level cross-disciplinary work that can lead to the development of AI technologies. This includes ensuring AI models are trained on ethically obtained datasets, incorporating robust privacy protections, and ethically deploying AI.
As AI continues to play an ever-expanding role in education, Kathryn Conrad’s proposal for an “AI Bill of Rights in Education” provides a comprehensive framework for addressing its challenges and opportunities. Empowering educators and students with clear rights and promoting critical AI literacy are central to her vision.
This proposal encourages universities to lead in shaping the future of AI in education, emphasizing ethical deployment and responsible use of AI technologies. In a world where AI’s presence is undeniable, a thoughtful and proactive approach is crucial to ensure that it enhances, rather than diminishes, the educational experience.
