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7 Ch7: Ethical GenAI Use in Education

  • This chapter addresses the ethical considerations related to GenAI, focusing on fairness, privacy, and inclusivity in the classroom.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, the integration of GenAI into classrooms presents rich opportunities alongside significant ethical considerations. As educators and institutions navigate this new terrain, it is important to address the ethical dimensions of fairness, privacy, and inclusivity. This can help ensure that GenAI serves as a tool for enhancing learning experiences without compromising ethical standards.

Fairness

Fairness in the use of GenAI in education requires a critical examination of how these technologies are deployed across diverse learning environments. The potential of GenAI to support personalized learning is immense, offering tailored educational materials and interactive experiences that adapt to the individual needs of students. However, this customization must be managed thoughtfully to prevent GenAI from unintentionally reinforcing existing educational inequalities. For example, if GenAI systems are trained primarily on data from more privileged or well-resourced schools, they may be less effective for students in underfunded areas or those with diverse learning needs. Furthermore, if only students with access to high-quality devices or reliable Internet can fully benefit from personalized GenAI tools, it could widen the achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Careful oversight is needed to ensure that these tools serve all students fairly and do not perpetuate or deepen existing disparities in education.

Privacy concerns

Privacy concerns are at the forefront of ethical considerations in the adoption of GenAI in classrooms. The collection, analysis, and storage of student data by GenAI systems raise significant privacy issues. It is crucial to establish robust data protection measures that safeguard student information from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Technology providers must be transparent about the data being collected, how it is being used, and the measures in place to protect it or allow users to choose whether their input data can be used for training GenAI models. Building trust through transparency and stringent data protection practices is vital in fostering a safe educational environment where GenAI can be used effectively.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity is another key ethical concern in the implementation of GenAI in education. These technologies must be designed and utilized in ways that do not exclude any group of students. This includes making sure that GenAI applications are accessible to students with disabilities and sensitive to cultural and linguistic diversity, which requires coordinated efforts from a wide range of stakeholders—educators, administrators, GenAI developers/companies, government officials, and policymakers. By embracing an inclusive approach, educators can leverage GenAI to provide a more engaging and supportive learning experience for all students, recognizing and addressing the varied ways in which individuals learn. Educators also play a key role in fostering an ethical classroom environment by promoting digital literacy among students. This involves teaching students about the ethical use of technology, including the importance of privacy and the potential biases in AI systems. By empowering students with this knowledge, educators can encourage responsible use of GenAI and prepare students to navigate the digital world ethically.

Action Plan

To effectively implement ethical practices when using GenAI in the classroom, educators can follow an action plan that includes suggested key aspects and resources to aid in their understanding and application of these practices.

1. Stay Informed

Staying informed involves keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in GenAI technology and its ethical implications for education. Educators should regularly consult reputable sources of information that discuss the evolving landscape of AI in education, including potential challenges and opportunities. This knowledge allows educators to make informed decisions about integrating GenAI tools into their teaching practices in an ethical manner.

Resources:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Education Society (AIED): An international community that promotes research in intelligent educational systems. Their conferences and journals are great sources for the latest in AI in education.
  • EdSurge: An educational technology website that covers the latest trends in education technology, including articles and reports on GenAI. It’s a practical resource for educators looking to understand the impact of technology on teaching and learning.

2. Professional Development

Engaging in professional development opportunities enables educators to gain a deeper understanding of how to ethically use GenAI in the classroom. This includes training on data privacy laws, understanding the biases that can be inherent in AI systems (e.g., skewed data representation, historical data bias, or algorithm design), and learning how to select and use GenAI tools that prioritize fairness and inclusivity.

Resources:

  • Coursera – AI For Everyone: An online course that covers the basics of AI, including its implications for privacy, ethics, and society. It’s suitable for educators without a technical background.
  • ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Courses: ISTE offers various professional development courses on integrating technology into teaching, some of which focus specifically on ethical considerations in the use of AI in education.

3. Collaborate

Collaboration between educators, policymakers, and GenAI developers is essential to ensure that GenAI tools are developed and implemented ethically. This collaboration can help address potential biases in AI tools and ensure that they are accessible and beneficial to all students. Educators can participate in forums, advisory boards, or partnerships with technology providers to influence the development of ethical GenAI applications.

4. Prioritize Privacy

Educators should consider incorporating data protection measures to safeguard student information. This involves understanding the data privacy laws applicable in their jurisdiction and ensuring that GenAI tools comply with these laws. Educators can also educate students about the importance of privacy and how to protect their personal information online.

5. Ensure Accessibility

Selecting GenAI tools that are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, is crucial. Educators should look for tools and resources that offer features like screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and closed captioning for videos to support diverse learning needs.

6. Promote Inclusivity

To promote inclusivity, educators should use GenAI tools that are designed to be inclusive and avoid those that may reinforce biases or exclude certain groups. This includes being mindful of cultural, linguistic, and learning diversity when selecting and implementing GenAI applications in the classroom.

7. Engage Students

Teaching students about the ethical considerations of using GenAI and digital technologies is essential. Educators should encourage critical thinking about the ethical use of technology, including discussions on privacy, data security, and the social implications of AI. This can help empower students to become responsible digital citizens.

8. Review and Reflect

Regularly reviewing the use of GenAI tools in the classroom allows educators to reflect on their impact on fairness, privacy, and inclusivity. This ongoing evaluation process should involve soliciting feedback from students, revising practices based on experiences, and making adjustments to ensure that the ethical standards are being met.

 

By following this suggested action plan and utilizing the suggested resources, educators can be better equipped to navigate the complexities of using GenAI in education. This approach can enrich students’ learning experiences while ensuring that the integration of GenAI into the classroom aligns with ethical standards to the best of educators’ efforts.

 

Ch7 Bibliographies

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Empowering Education: Harnessing the Potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence Copyright © 2025 by Yu-Chang Hsu, Ph.D. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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