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Ethics and Responsible Use

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, learn, and work. From personalized learning tools to smart assistants, AI has the potential to solve complex problems and make our lives easier. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s essential to understand its ethical implications and ensure it is used in ways that are fair, transparent, and beneficial to all.

This section of our AI Toolkit is dedicated to Ethics and Responsible Use of AI. Here, you’ll explore the principles that guide ethical AI development, learn about real-world examples of AI’s impact on society, and discover how to use AI responsibly in your classroom and beyond. Whether you’re a student, educator, or curious learner, this resource will help you think critically about AI and its role in shaping our future.

What is AI Ethics?

  • AI ethics is the study of how AI technologies impact individuals, society, and the environment.

  • Why ethics matter: AI can have both positive and negative consequences, and it’s important to use it responsibly.

Why Teach AI Ethics in K-12?

  • To prepare students to be informed, ethical, and responsible users and creators of AI technologies.

  • To foster critical thinking about the societal implications of AI.

Responsible Use of AI in the Classroom

Guidelines for Students:

  • Use AI tools to enhance learning, not to replace critical thinking or creativity.

  • Always credit AI-generated content and avoid plagiarism.

  • Be aware of biases in AI tools and question their outputs.

Guidelines for Educators:

  • Teach students to critically evaluate AI tools and their outputs.

  • Encourage discussions about the ethical implications of AI.

  • Model responsible use of AI in the classroom.

Example AI Policies and Frameworks

TeachAI - Sample AI Guidance for Schools

Office of Educational Technology - Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning

UNESCO - AI Competency Framework for Students

aiEDU - AI Readiness Framework

Relevant Policies in the US

FERPA - AI systems must protect the privacy of student education records and comply with parental consent requirements. Data must remain within the direct control of the educational institution.

COPPA - AI chatbots, personalized learning platforms, and other technologies collecting personal information and user data on children under 13 must require parental consent.

IDEA - AI must not be implemented in a way that denies disabled students equal access to education opportunities.

CIPA -  Schools must ensure AI content filters align with CIPA protections against harmful content.

Section 504 - This section of the Rehabilitation Act applies to both physical and digital environments. Schools must ensure that their digital content and technologies, like AI, are accessible to students with disabilities.