Today, let’s review some basic considerations when using AI.
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Transparency & Explainability – If we expect students to be transparent about using AI, we should be too. Does the answer AI gives make sense? If we can’t explain/find out how AI got the answer, we shouldn't use it.
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Fairness & Bias Mitigation – AI reflects the information that is given by the user. It will reflect a user's own biases or biases in the data. We must audit our AI systems and be actively anti-biased.
**Note** - We all have biases. I love my mother’s signature chocolate cake. Some people think it’s too rich (and those people are wrong). That said, if I were doing research on cakes, my bias may affect my results.
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Privacy & Data Security – While the VCCS recommends Microsoft and Google Products due to the enhanced privacy controls offered by our contracts with them, I am concerned about recent lawsuits. Until we get more guidance, be careful to still cite your sources for copyrighted material and keep your data anonymous to avoid putting personally identifiable information into AI.
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Accountability and Responsibility – If AI makes a mistake, the user is responsible. Double-check AI before you rely on it. AI will never replace human judgment.
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Governor’s Guidelines for AI Integration Throughout Education in the Commonwealth of Virginia – The governor has released the following guidelines for state education AI usage:
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Do no harm
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Prioritize integrity
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Augment, not replace humans
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Harness AI to empower students
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Work in partnership
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Be constantly discerning and responsive to the continuous expansion of AI capabilities and users
I recommend reviewing the Governor’s Guidelines linked above for more information.
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Personal Considerations – I get it. AI can be scary. That said, it’s not going anywhere. It is better to be informed about AI, embrace its benefits, and learn to use the tool. The winners in this race are those who know how to use AI properly to augment their skills to make their lives easier. That applies to both our students and us. Let’s learn about this exciting world together.
