1.1 Ethics of AI Use in Education

As we consider AI adoption in our teaching, it remains crucial to put ethical standards at the forefront to ensure these technologies are used responsibly and beneficially. Learn a little about the principles on which Microsoft products are created, the guidelines provided to college employees, and tips for responsible use.

Microsoft’s Six Principles Responsible AI Principles

Microsoft describes its six (6) Responsible AI Principles to ensure a safe, inclusive, and transparent educational environment when AI is used. These principles should apply to all AI management and be used and supported at institutional levels (Microsoft, 2024b).

1. Fairness: AI systems treat all students equitably. This means designing AI tools free from biases and providing equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds and identities.
2. Reliability and Safety: AI tools should be reliable and safe, and regular assessments should be undertaken to prevent unintended consequences impacting learning or well-being.
3. Privacy and Security: Protecting private and personal data is paramount. Microsoft AI systems are designed with robust privacy and security measures to safeguard personal information and maintain confidentiality. 
4. Inclusiveness: AI should be accessible, including those with disabilities. By incorporating inclusive design principles, AI tools enhance learning for everyone.
5. Transparency: Transparency builds trust in AI. This means being open about how our AI systems work and how decisions are made so that users understand and trust these technologies.
6. Accountability: Providers should be accountable for the AI systems deployed. This means having guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.

Conestoga’s Evolving AI Guidelines

Conestoga provides its employees with Conestoga’s AI Evolving Guidelines, which emphasize the importance of ethical use, transparency, and privacy when using AI tools like Copilot. The guidelines highlight that Conestoga employees should use Conesestoga’s enterprise version of Copilot when conducting any work within the scope of their paid work or assigned duties. Copilot is designed with the 6 ethical principles listed above. Review the guidelines directly on the Sharepoint site.

Conestoga also provides an AI Do’s and Don’ts: Leveraging Copilot at Conestoga document in the Sharepoint Site. This document recommends leveraging Copoilot safely and responsibly in your teaching and in other associated administrative duties, and not outsourcing critical thinking or decision-making processes to AI.

Applying Ethical AI Principles in the Classroom Teaching

What might these principles look like in the context of college teaching and learning? Here are some possible scenarios and dilemmas where ethical AI principles might apply.

General Tips for Responsible AI Use

Use and share to promote the ethical and responsible use of AI in your course(s).

• Protect your data: Be mindful of the personal information you share with AI tools. Only provide the necessary data and understand how it will be used. Where possible, use generative AI apps licenced by the college. Avoid using third-party chatbots. Do not use your Conestoga email if you sign up for another third-party chatbot. Avoid inputting personal identifying information.
• Protect the college: Do not share college Intellectual Property (IP), which may be described generally as materials created during the regular duties of work, with any chatbots other than Conestoga’s licensed generative AI apps. Do not use a third-party chatbot or a college device.
• Advocate for accessibility: If you encounter accessibility issues, bring them to the attention of your professors. Contact accessibility@conestogac.on.ca if you have questions about accessibility and AI.
• Understand how AI works: Learn about the AI tools you are using. Understand their capabilities, limitations, and how they make decisions. Ask questions and seek clarification to ensure you understand the AI systems you interact with.
• Be aware of bias: AI systems sometimes reflect biases in training data. Always question and critically evaluate the outputs of AI tools.
• Verify AI outputs: Always cross-check the information, resources, or recommendations provided by AI tools with reliable sources from the library. Use AI as a supplementary tool rather than the sole source of information for your assignments and projects.
• Take responsibility: Use AI tools ethically and responsibly. Avoid using AI to cheat or plagiarize; always give credit where it’s due. Follow the college’s guidelines on academic integrity and report any misuse of AI tools you observe. See the Generative AI Toolkit for more information.

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