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Edward Palmer, Daniel Lee, and Ruth Patching

From helping us spark creative ideas, refine our writing and improve efficiency, GenAI is revolutionising the way we work and study.

Like many new developments in technology however, it’s also opened a Pandora’s box of ethical challenges that must be considered. AI bias, inaccuracy and plagiarism have caused many people to be cautious about embracing the potential benefits of GenAI.

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From helping us spark creative ideas, refine our writing and improve efficiency, GenAI is revolutionising the way we work and study.

Like many new developments in technology however, it’s also opened a Pandora’s box of ethical challenges that must be considered. AI bias, inaccuracy and plagiarism have caused many people to be cautious about embracing the potential benefits of GenAI.

In this course, you’ll explore the benefits of using GenAI as well as the ethical challenges AI presents, so you can be confident that the AI content you produce is unbiased, accurate and transparent. As a result, you’ll learn how to confidently use GenAI to its full potential and become a responsible digital citizen.

Our approach is simple yet effective — we believe in the power of scenarios to enhance your understanding and retention of key concepts.

Instead of bombarding you with theoretical lectures, we want to immerse you in practical situations where you can apply your newfound knowledge in real-world, practical scenarios.

By actively engaging with these scenarios, you'll not only grasp the fundamentals of AI ethics but also develop critical thinking skills essential for navigating the complexities of our digital world.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recognise commonly used ai terminology
  • Identify the positives and negatives of using genai as a student
  • Recognise the consequences of using incorrect or biased information created by genai
  • Recognise correct ways to cite the use of ai
  • Identify differences in the usage protocols of different policies
  • Recognise ways you can ethically use genai in the workplace
  • Reflect on possible future ai developments in ai
  • Recognise when something has been created using ai.

Syllabus

Module 1 The benefits of GenAI We'll starting by looking at the benefits and background of AI before we get into the thorny dilemmas. You need to know what AI is, how it works and how much it's embedded into our daily lives to understand the nuances and difficulties of using AI ethically.
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At the end of this section, you will be able to: ▪ Recognise commonly used AI terminology. ▪ Identify the positives and negatives of using GenAI as a student
Module 2: Hallucinations, bias and transparency In this module we will explore the key ethical principles that guide responsible AI use for learners, and discuss concepts such as transparency and accountability, biases and hallucinations in AI systems. We will focus on how each of these may affect how you use AI and how you may use AI to research – whether it be for an academic paper, for a report or for a project at work.
At the end of this section, you will be able to: ▪ Recognise the consequences of using incorrect or biased information created by GenAI. ▪ Recognise correct ways to cite the use of AI.
Module 3: Privacy, security and intellectual propertyNot every organisation you're involved with will have clear guidelines and how AI should be used. In this module, we will explore some further ethical challenges that users face when engaging with GenAI. We'll discuss guidelines and frameworks around responsible use of AI, keeping your data private and secure and intellectual property rights and copyright.
At the end of this section, you will be able to: ▪ Identify differences in the usage protocols of different policies. ▪ Recognise ways you can ethically use GenAI in the workplace.
Module 4: The future of AI Part of maintaining ethical use of AI, involves keeping on top of future trends and continually learning about the way it is changing. This module will look at how you can weigh up the positives and negatives of using GenAI to cope with disruption to the workplace, assess the impact of GenAI on society, and stay on top of changing attitudes towards the use of GenAI and changes to government policy and regulation.
At the end of this section, you will be able to: ▪ Reflect on possible future developments in AI. ▪ Recognise when something has been created using AI.****

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the ethical challenges presented by GenAI, which is crucial for students navigating the evolving landscape of academic research and writing
Focuses on practical scenarios, which enhances understanding and retention of key concepts related to AI ethics in real-world situations
Covers the importance of recognizing when content has been created using AI, which is essential for maintaining academic integrity and transparency
Examines the ethical principles that guide responsible AI use, including transparency, accountability, biases, and hallucinations in AI systems
Discusses guidelines and frameworks around responsible AI use, which helps learners navigate the complexities of data privacy, security, and intellectual property rights
Presented by the University of Adelaide, which is recognized for its research and education in artificial intelligence and related fields

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethical AI for Students with these activities:
Review AI Terminology
Familiarize yourself with common AI terms to better understand the course material.
Show steps
  • Create a glossary of key AI terms.
  • Find definitions for each term.
  • Review the glossary periodically.
Read 'AI Ethics' by Mark Coeckelbergh
Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of AI through a comprehensive book on the subject.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'AI Ethics' by Mark Coeckelbergh.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to the course material.
Read 'Weapons of Math Destruction' by Cathy O'Neil
Understand the potential for AI to perpetuate social inequalities through a critical analysis of biased algorithms.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Weapons of Math Destruction'.
  • Read the book, focusing on examples of algorithmic bias.
  • Discuss the implications of these biases with others.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Develop an Ethical AI Checklist
Apply your knowledge of ethical AI principles by creating a checklist for evaluating AI systems.
Show steps
  • Research existing ethical AI frameworks.
  • Identify key ethical considerations for AI systems.
  • Develop a checklist based on these considerations.
  • Test the checklist on real-world AI systems.
Create a Presentation on AI Bias
Solidify your understanding of AI bias by researching and presenting on the topic.
Show steps
  • Research different types of AI bias.
  • Find real-world examples of AI bias.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your findings to peers or colleagues.
Draft an AI Ethics Policy
Develop a practical understanding of AI ethics by drafting a policy for an organization.
Show steps
  • Research existing AI ethics policies.
  • Identify the key stakeholders and their needs.
  • Draft a policy that addresses these needs.
  • Get feedback on your policy from others.
Volunteer for an AI Ethics Organization
Gain practical experience in AI ethics by volunteering for an organization working in the field.
Show steps
  • Research AI ethics organizations in your area.
  • Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer your time and skills to the organization.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical AI for Students will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
AI Ethics Consultant
An AI Ethics Consultant advises organizations on the ethical implications of AI systems, helping them develop and deploy AI responsibly. This role requires a strong grasp of AI's potential benefits and risks. This course will be useful as it provides a deep understanding of AI bias, inaccuracy, and transparency, all of which are key considerations when providing ethical AI consultation. The course also covers using GenAI in practical scenarios, which will help a consultant implement ethical guidelines within an organization. The course's focus on real-world applications makes it especially relevant for individuals who will be expected to provide implementable advice.
Compliance Officer
A compliance officer ensures that an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role requires a keen awareness of issues like data privacy, intellectual property, and transparency, especially as they pertain to AI. This course can help someone in this role as it explores ethical challenges surrounding GenAI, covering key topics such as transparency, accountability, biases, and intellectual property. Additionally, the course’s discussion of different organizational policies will be helpful for developing and enforcing internal guidelines. Understanding how to use GenAI ethically is essential for a compliance officer who needs to ensure the responsible use of new technologies.
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and develops policy recommendations related to emerging technology, including AI. Critical to success in this role is the ability to understand the ethical, societal, and regulatory implications of AI. This course on ethical AI will help to build a foundation in these areas. Through exploration of practical scenarios, you will develop an understanding of AI's potential harms and benefits and learn to consider these factors when shaping policy recommendations. The discussion on future AI developments will allow a policy analyst to anticipate and address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
Research Analyst
A research analyst conducts research and analyzes information to help inform decision-making. This position often requires the ability to critically evaluate the accuracy and bias of data, particularly when it is created using AI. This course on ethical AI may be useful to a research analyst, as it provides practical experience in recognizing and mitigating AI bias and hallucinations. The ability to research with GenAI is also a part of this course that will allow a research analyst to take advatage if this tool while using it responsibly. Additionally, the course highlights key issues like transparency and intellectual property, which are important to consider when conducting research.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation such as user manuals, reports and white papers that explain technical products and processes. This role requires an understanding of technical details as well as the ability to convey these details to a variety of audiences. This course on ethical AI may be useful to a technical writer, as it provides a thorough understanding of AI concepts. The course also emphasizes transparency and responsible usage, both of which are important considerations for any technical writer who will work to document AI products or process. The course will also allow a technical writer to become familiar with the latest trends in AI.
Data Analyst
A data analyst interprets and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. This often involves working with datasets that may have been created or augmented by AI. As such, it is paramount that a data analyst understands the potential for AI bias, and knows how to address it. This course may be useful because it addresses the ethics of working with data that is generated by AI, and includes information about the identification of biases in AI systems. The course's practical focus on real world scenarios makes it particularly relevant to the challenges faced by a data analyst.
Software Developer
A software developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. They will need to have an understanding of ethical considerations as AI tools become integrated into the development process and applications themselves. This course may be useful because it discusses the ethical dimensions of using AI, particularly concerning data privacy, transparency and bias. It provides practical advice and strategies to mitigate these risks, helping a software developer to develop software that adheres to the principles of ethical AI. It may also help a software developer use AI as a tool in their development process in an ethical way.
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects. This often involves understanding the ethical implications of using AI in a project. This course may be useful because it highlights the risks of bias, inaccuracy, and a lack of transparency, all of which can impact project outcomes. The course's emphasis on practical scenarios is valuable for project managers who will need to integrate ethical considerations into their planning and decision-making processes. This course will also help the project manager to make ethical decisions when AI is an aspect of a project.
Educator
An educator instructs students in a particular subject area, whether that is in K-12 or in higher education. New AI technologies are impacting the education space significantly, and so an educator should be able to understand the uses of AI as well as its limitations and ethical considerations. The educator may find this course to be useful, as it covers the benefits of using AI, and the risks, including plagiarism and bias. By understanding the technology, an educator can use it responsibly, and also teach their students to use AI in an ethical manner. The practical focus of this course will help the educator integrate ethical AI into their teaching practices.
Content Creator
A content creator produces written, visual or audio content for various media platforms. This role may involve the use of AI tools to generate text, images or video. Therefore, someone in this role should understand the ethical considerations of using AI to create content. This course may be useful as it teaches methods to recognize when information has been created by AI, also covering the ethical issues of using AI tools to create content. Additionally, the course may help the content creator identify and rectify bias in AI generated text or images. This course will make their work more truthful and transparent.
User Experience Designer
A user experience designer or UX designer focuses on enhancing the usability and accessibility of products and interfaces. As AI increasingly powers these products, it becomes important for a UX designer to understand the ethical implications of AI, especially as they relate to user experience. This course may be useful to a UX designer because it highlights important issues such as bias, transparency, and accountability. The course’s focus on practical applications and real world scenarios will also help a UX designer design products that are not only user focused but also ethically sound.
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist develops and implements marketing strategies to promote products or services. As AI becomes increasingly prominent in marketing, this role needs to recognize the ethical implications of using AI. This course may be useful as it will provide an introduction to the use of GenAI, as well as highlighting ethical considerations, such as bias and data privacy. With this knowledge, a marketing specialist can more effectively use marketing tools that rely on AI, and ensure that their use of AI in marketing is ethical and transparent. The course's practical focus will help make implementation easier.
Human Resources Professional
A human resources professional manages an organization's employees. They often use AI tools such as those used to screen job applications. This role should have an understanding of the ethical implications of using AI, especially when it could introduce bias into the hiring process. This course may be useful, as it explores the risks of bias in AI and also highlights other ethical concerns such as data privacy. A human resources professional may better use AI tools while remaining ethical through the lessons of this course. The practical nature of the course will also help to make a real world difference.
Journalist
A journalist is responsible for gathering and reporting news and information. With the rise of AI tools, journalists must be able to discern when content is generated by AI as well as understand potential issues such as bias and inaccuracy. This course may be useful as it covers the basics of AI, as well as discussing the potential downsides of this technology. This course will help a journalist use AI responsibly in their reporting and also be able to recognize when a source is AI generated. The focus on practical scenarios in the course will also be helpful for journalists.
Librarian
A librarian helps people find information, and as AI becomes a more prominent way of retrieving and presenting information, it is important for a librarian to be familiar with the ethical considerations of AI. This course may be useful, as it provides an overview of the basics of AI, as well as including discussions of topics such as bias, misrepresentation and privacy. This knowledge will help a librarian to better serve those who seek information, regardless of how they are generating or retrieving that information. The course may also help the librarian understand how to adopt AI technologies while adhering to ethical standards.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethical AI for Students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence. It explores topics such as bias, fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI systems. Reading this book will provide a strong foundation for understanding the ethical challenges discussed in the course. It valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of AI ethics.
Explores how algorithms can perpetuate and amplify social inequalities. It examines the impact of biased algorithms in various domains, including education, criminal justice, and finance. Reading this book will help you understand the real-world consequences of unethical AI and the importance of fairness and accountability. It serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action for responsible AI development.

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