Transparency in the Age of AI in Online Education

A recent conversation with a colleague gave me reason to pause and reflect. We were discussing faculty perspectives on using AI in online program development, specifically whether there is an obligation to inform faculty when AI tools are used to draft or create course content. I had always assumed this was a given—of course, we should disclose when generative GenAI tools contribute to course assets. But that discussion led me to a broader question: Are we obligated to disclose our use of AI not just in course creation, but across all areas—marketing, recruitment, student support, and instruction?

As AI tools become increasingly prevalent in education, the need for transparency feels more urgent. These tools have the potential to streamline processes, spark creativity, and generate innovative solutions. However, with this potential comes an ethical responsibility to consider how and when we disclose their use. Transparency lies at the heart of this discussion, ensuring trust and accountability in how we leverage AI.

Who Bears the Responsibility of Transparency?

1. Instructional Designers: Should instructional designers disclose to faculty the extent to which they use generative AI tools when drafting course content? For instance, if AI is used to outline a course or generate lecture materials, do faculty have a right to know? Can we assume it’s acceptable to upload syllabi to generative AI tools to assist in content creation, or does this require explicit consent? Transparency in these situations is essential—it fosters trust and ensures that collaboration remains authentic.
2. Faculty: I’ve come across a variety of AI policies in course syllabi—some that outright forbid its use and others that actively encourage it. However, this raises an important question: Should faculty disclose to students when AI tools are used to develop lecture content or assignments? If AI contributes to enhancing the quality of the educational experience, does transparency about its use detract from its value—or does it foster a more honest and open learning environment?
3. Students: As AI tools like ChatGPT become popular among students, should they be required to cite these tools when used to generate ideas or structure their papers? How do we set a standard for ethical AI use in academic work?
4. Marketing and Communications Teams: Marketing teams in education may use AI to craft copy, create visual assets, or manage social media strategies. Are institutions obligated to disclose this use to prospective students, parents, or other stakeholders? If authenticity matters, where do we draw the line?
5. Enrollment Management Teams: Enrollment teams increasingly rely on predictive analytics and AI-driven strategies to identify prospective students most likely to enroll and tailor personalized communication. Should applicants be aware that their data is being analyzed by AI tools to refine these strategies?
6. Student Support Services: This is another critical area where AI is being utilized to enhance online education. From chatbots offering 24/7 assistance to predictive analytics identifying students at risk of falling behind, these tools can impact responsiveness and efficiency. However, the use of AI in these services raises important questions about transparency. Should students be explicitly informed when they are interacting with an AI rather than a human? How much detail should be shared about how their data is being analyzed to provide tailored recommendations or alerts? Ensuring that students understand and trust these AI-driven processes is essential to maintaining the integrity of support services and fostering a positive learning environment.

Why Transparency Matters

Transparency fosters trust. Whether between instructional designers and faculty, faculty and students, or institutions and their broader communities, honesty about AI usage can prevent misunderstandings and ethical dilemmas. It also sets a precedent for responsible AI practices in education, aligning with the values of integrity and accountability that we aim to model for students.

But transparency also has its complexities. Not every use of AI may feel significant enough to disclose. Do we risk overwhelming stakeholders with information, or is the commitment to full disclosure a non-negotiable in this new era of education?

Opening the Conversation

The rapid integration of AI tools in online education is transforming how we design, deliver, and experience learning. This shift demands that we confront complex ethical and practical questions, ensuring we develop policies and practices that are both equitable and forward-thinking. Transparency, in this context, goes beyond merely disclosing the use of AI; it’s about cultivating a shared understanding of how these tools function, their benefits, and their limitations. Maintaining trust in an AI-driven educational landscape requires us to critically examine the extent to which we communicate the role of AI in decision-making processes, data usage, and content personalization. How transparent should we be to balance innovation with accountability and equity?