Revolutionizing Education with AI: A Safe, Equitable, and Transparent Approach ??

Let's explore the critical principles for developing AI tools that enhance the educational experience while ensuring equity, safety, and transparency for all users. I'm Tera Lisicky, M.Ed. ? , and I'm excited to share an essential guide on designing AI for educational settings to create enriching, safe, equitable, and transparent learning experiences. This was published on July 8, 2024, via the Office of Educational Technology (U.S. Department of Education).

Responding to the October 2023 Executive Order

On October 30, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order emphasizing the responsible development and deployment of AI, especially in education. This order highlights the importance of creating policies and resources to ensure the safe, secure, and non-discriminatory use of AI in educational settings. The Secretary of Education is tasked with developing these policies within a year, informed by extensive public consultations with diverse stakeholders.

Understanding AI and Edtech

To effectively leverage AI in education, it’s crucial to understand what we mean by artificial intelligence and educational technology. AI refers to systems performing tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation. Edtech includes a wide range of digital tools aimed at enhancing educational experiences. Defining these terms broadly allows us to recognize both the potential and responsibilities of using AI in education.

Building Trust Through Shared Responsibility

A key message of this guide is that building trust in AI applications for education is a shared responsibility. Developers, educators, and policymakers must collaborate to ensure ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. Trust is essential for successfully adopting AI tools and can only be achieved through collective efforts and open communication.

A Pathway From Designing for Education to Earning Trust

Transitioning from initial design to earning trust involves a well-defined pathway. This includes understanding users' needs, ensuring consistent communication, embedding ethical considerations from the outset, and continuously evaluating impact. By following this pathway, developers can create AI solutions that educators and students feel confident using.

Recommendations for AI Development in Education

They've identified several critical recommendations for AI development in education, each addressing a vital aspect of the process:

1. Designing for Teaching and Learning
2. Providing Evidence for Rationale and Impact
3. Advancing Equity and Protecting Civil Rights
4. Ensuring Safety and Security
5. Promoting Transparency and Earning Trust

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for developing safe and effective AI solutions in educational settings. By adhering to these guidelines, developers can create innovative tools that enhance teaching and learning while earning the trust of educators and students.

Thank you for your attention. Let's work together to build a brighter future for education with AI. If you're a developer or educator looking to collaborate and create impactful AI tools for education, please get in touch with me directly at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let's make a difference together!