The Educause Annual Conference: A New Era for Artificial Intelligence in Education
Since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, educational institutions have taken various stances on generative artificial intelligence (AI). At the recent Educause Annual Conference in San Antonio, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) summarized essential federal resources to guide education leaders through the evolving landscape of AI.
One crucial aspect highlighted in the conference is the OET’s policy report from May 2023, which includes recommendations for AI use in education. The principal recommendation is to maintain human oversight in all AI-related educational decisions.
‘We completely reject the notion that AI should replace teachers,’ said Isabella Zachariah, a fellow at the OET. She emphasized the vital role that educators must play in decision-making processes to understand how AI affects students and educational outcomes.
Other recommendations from the OET include aligning AI governance with educational vision, implementing modern learning principles, and fostering trust within educational institutions.
The conference drew an analogy between AI technology in education and e-bikes, suggesting that, similar to e-bikes, AI tools should be controlled by humans—unlike robot vacuums that operate with little oversight.
Legislative Progress: AI Bill of Rights
The White House’s legislative guidance on an AI Bill of Rights was also shared. This blueprint outlines essential principles, such as ensuring that AI is safe, effective, and non-discriminatory. OET officials stated that while the ultimate aim is to formalize these principles in governmental policies, they currently serve as a framework for protecting students’ rights in educational contexts.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Moreover, the OET focused on addressing digital divides that hinder equitable technology access and usage. Ensuring students have Wi-Fi and devices is essential, but ongoing support and professional development for teachers are equally vital.
‘We’re talking about AI and focusing on how, when a new technology comes out, we need to give teachers adequate time, space, and support to learn and integrate this technology,’ Zachariah remarked.
Developer Guidance for AI Tools
The OET has also developed guidelines for AI developers, stressing the importance of educator collaboration in designing effective educational tools.
‘It’s essential to gather the right people after someone has an idea about harnessing new technology,’ Johnstun stated, highlighting the need for cooperative efforts to maximize the positive impact of AI in education.
Addressing AI Risks with NIST Framework
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework encourages stakeholders to consider risks associated with AI adoption, focusing on potential harm to individuals, organizations, and ecosystems.
‘This framework provides a broad overview, allowing leaders to think about various risks associated with generative AI and how to manage them effectively,’ Johnstun conveyed.
As educational institutions continue to explore the integration of AI, these federal guidelines will play a crucial role in shaping responsible and effective use of technology in the classroom.
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