AI education matters

Abstract

In this column, we introduce our Model AI Assignment, A Module on Ethical Thinking about Autonomous Vehicles in an AI Course, and more broadly introduce a conversation on ethics education in AI education.

Artificial Intelligence and the Associated Threats on the Human Workforce

“…Manufacturers utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to control robotics and machines [9], while Wall Street utilizes AI to predict market patterns and detect cases of fraud [10]. AI diagnostic gadgets assist physicians in the early diagnosis of ailments, while AI tutors deliver remote education to students [11,12].…”

“…AI tool and application development also increases the demand for software engineers and data analysts [19]. AI's primary impact on the workforce is the automation of repetitive cognitive and physical tasks like financial analysis, medical diagnosis, inventory checks, and data entry [26,10]. AI automates specific structured tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex responsibilities that necessitate adaptability, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and emotional intelligence [11].…”

“…Furthermore, a step-by-step introduction of automation in vulnerable sectors such as transportation and warehousing will occur as adjustment measures are implemented [27,20]. Furthermore, establishing global coordination councils is necessary to synchronize the objectives of companies that commercialize algorithms with the needs and concerns of populations susceptible to displacement [8,10]. However, the development of effective interventions depends on obtaining clearer insight into the initial emergence of workforce shifts resulting from the adoption of AI.…”

The effectiveness of embedded values analysis modules in Computer Science education: An empirical study

“…One increasingly popular strategy to meet the above challenge is to embed short ethics modules, typically consisting of one or two relatively self-contained class sessions taught by either philosophers trained in ethics or by interdisciplinary teams, into courses across the CS curriculum (Bezuidenhout and Ratti, 2021; Furey and Martin, 2019; Grosz et al, 2019; Horton et al, 2022). Since ethics modules do not replace any existing courses, it is easier to find space for them in the curriculum.…”

An Analysis of Engineering Students’ Responses to an AI Ethics Scenario

“…Many institutions have introduced AI ethics courses in recent years; since 2019, educators and researchers have crowd-sourced and catalogued upwards of 400 AI and/or tech ethics (including content on machine learning and AI algorithms) syllabi from North American institutions (Raji, Scheuerman, and Amironesei 2021;Fiesler, Garrett, and Beard 2020;Nasir et al 2021). Educators have proposed and implemented individual modules, workshops, and heuristics for teaching AI ethics in tandem with their standard coursework (Cohen et al 2021;Saltz et al 2019;Furey and Martin 2019). Some of these curricular interventions received student feedback that the content was relevant and interesting, and they would like to learn more throughout their program (Grosz et al 2019;Cohen et al 2021).…”