Ethical AI for Students from edX

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.

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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the ethical challenges presented by AI, 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 topics like AI bias, inaccuracy, and plagiarism, which are important considerations for responsible AI usage in academic and professional settings

Examines the benefits of using GenAI, which helps learners understand its potential for sparking creative ideas, refining writing, and improving efficiency

Discusses guidelines and frameworks around responsible use of AI, which helps learners keep their data private and secure, and understand intellectual property rights

Taught by the University of Adelaide, which is globally recognised for its research and education in artificial intelligence and machine learning

Reviews summary

Ethical ai for students: foundational overview

According to learners, this course provides a valuable and timely introduction to the ethical considerations of using GenAI, particularly for academic and professional contexts. Students found the content covering topics like bias, privacy, and correct citation methods to be especially helpful. The course's unique approach using practical scenarios is highlighted as a strength, aiding understanding and application. While many appreciate the clear explanations and foundational knowledge gained, a few noted that the course could benefit from greater depth on complex issues.

Clear guidance on proper attribution.

"The section on citing AI was particularly useful, clarifying a confusing topic."

"Learned exactly how to cite AI-generated content correctly."

"This alone was worth taking the course for me."

Subject matter is highly current and important.

"This course is incredibly relevant given how much AI is used now."

"The ethical issues discussed are very timely and important for anyone using GenAI."

"Essential knowledge for navigating the current digital landscape."

Provides a solid introduction to AI ethics.

"This course gave me a solid foundation in ethical AI principles."

"Excellent introduction to the key issues surrounding AI ethics for students."

"Covers the basics clearly and makes the topic accessible."

Effective learning through real-world examples.

"The course uses scenarios very effectively."

"I found the practical examples and scenarios incredibly helpful for understanding the concepts."

"The scenarios made the abstract ideas of AI ethics much more concrete and applicable to my situation."

May lack depth for learners seeking advanced topics.

"While good for beginners, those with some prior knowledge might find it too basic."

"I was hoping for more in-depth discussion on complex ethical dilemmas."

"A solid overview, but doesn't delve deeply into technical or philosophical nuances."

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

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Strengthen your understanding of fundamental AI concepts and terminology before diving into the ethical considerations.

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Review definitions of key AI terms like neural networks, algorithms, and machine learning.
Create flashcards or a glossary of terms for quick reference.
Take online quizzes to test your knowledge of AI terminology.

Read 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of AI through a comprehensive book on the subject.

View Principles of Artificial Intelligence Ethics on Amazon

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Read the book 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence'.
Take notes on key concepts and arguments.
Reflect on how the book's ideas relate to the course material.

Write a blog post on AI bias

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Solidify your understanding of AI bias by researching and writing a blog post explaining the concept and its implications.

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Research different types of AI bias and their causes.
Find real-world examples of AI bias in action.
Write a blog post explaining AI bias and its consequences.
Share your blog post on social media or with classmates.

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Create a presentation on AI citation

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Reinforce your understanding of AI citation by creating a presentation explaining the correct ways to cite AI.

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Research correct ways to cite AI.
Create a presentation explaining AI citation.
Present your presentation to classmates.

Review 'AI Ethics and Governance'

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Expand your understanding of AI ethics by exploring governance and policy frameworks.

View Responsible Artificial Intelligence on Amazon

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Read 'AI Ethics and Governance'.
Summarize key governance frameworks discussed in the book.
Discuss the role of policy in shaping ethical AI development.

Develop an AI Ethics Checklist

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Apply your knowledge by creating a practical checklist for evaluating the ethical implications of AI projects.

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Identify key ethical considerations for AI development.
Create a checklist with specific questions to address each consideration.
Test your checklist on a sample AI project.
Refine your checklist based on your testing experience.

Design an Ethical AI Solution

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Challenge yourself by designing an AI solution that addresses a real-world problem while adhering to ethical principles.

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Identify a problem that can be solved with AI.
Design an AI solution that addresses the problem ethically.
Consider potential biases and unintended consequences.
Develop a plan for mitigating ethical risks.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical AI for Students will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

AI Ethicist

An AI Ethicist plays a crucial role in guiding the development and deployment of AI technologies in a responsible and ethical manner. This role involves identifying and mitigating potential biases, ensuring transparency and accountability, and addressing concerns related to privacy, security, and intellectual property. This course helps to prepare individuals for this role by exploring the benefits and ethical challenges of AI, and how to recognize and navigate biases. By taking this course, aspiring AI ethicists can develop a strong foundation in understanding the ethical implications of AI and how to mitigate these concerns. This course will be useful for understanding how AI can be used ethically in the workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Ethicist

AI Educator

An AI Educator develops and delivers educational programs on AI and related topics. This course will ensure AI Educators are familiar with the ethical implications of AI. The course explores the benefits of using general AI as well as the ethical challenges AI presents. The course will allow AI educators to recognize commonly used AI terminology and to identify the positives and negatives of using general AI as a student.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Educator

Digital Content Creator

A Digital Content Creator produces engaging and informative content for online platforms, often leveraging AI tools to enhance their productivity. The ethical challenges AI presents are important for Digital Content Creators to understand, especially regarding plagiarism. Digital Content Creators need to know the correct ways to cite the use of AI. By completing this course, a Digital Content Creator will be able to use general AI to its full potential and become a responsible digital citizen.

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Compliance Officer

A Compliance Officer ensures that an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards. In the context of AI, this role involves developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies. This course directly pertains to the role of a compliance officer, specifically regarding AI. The course explores ethical principles that guide responsible AI use, keeping data private and secure, and intellectual property rights and copyright. Furthermore, it discusses guidelines and frameworks around the responsible use of AI. This course will enhance your understanding of the ethical dimensions of AI, and enable you to establish effective AI compliance programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Algorithm Auditor

An Algorithm Auditor assesses the performance and fairness of algorithms, including those used in AI systems. Algorithm Auditors need to be able to assess the presence of bias and issues of transparency. The Algorithm Auditor will find this course useful, because the course focuses on how to recognize and understand the consequences of using incorrect or biased information created by general AI. This course will allow the Algorithm Auditor to test for and recognize the presence of bias within an algorithm.

See salaries and explore the career path for Algorithm Auditor

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation for technical products and services, including AI-powered tools. Ethical considerations are important for Technical Writers, as they need to learn the correct ways to cite the use of AI. The course immerses the learner in practical situations where they can apply their newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios. This course will allow the Technical Writer to become a responsible digital citizen.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and develop predictive models using machine learning and AI techniques. The ethical implications of AI are important for Data Scientists to understand. Data Scientists must consider the consequences of using incorrect or biased information created by general AI. This course will familiarize the Data Scientist with these consequences, and allow them to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of our digital world.

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AI Project Manager

An AI Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of AI projects. This role requires a solid understanding of AI technologies and their ethical implications. This course will assist AI Project Managers by providing an understanding of the benefits and ethical challenges of AI, and how to recognize and navigate biases. The course specifically addresses the importance of transparency and accountability in AI systems, which are critical considerations for project managers. The course will assist AI project managers to become responsible digital citizens.

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Innovation Manager

An Innovation Manager fosters a culture of innovation within an organization and explores emerging technologies, including AI, to identify new opportunities. The ethical considerations of AI are important for Innovation Managers to understand. This course will ensure that an Innovation Manager will be able to recognize when something has been created using AI. This course also dives into the privacy, security, and intellectual property considerations of using AI at an organization.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes existing policies and advises on potential policy changes. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts as they consider the ethical implications of AI. Policy Analysts require a strong understanding of the potential consequences of AI technologies, including issues like bias and plagiarism. The course explores these issues, and will assist policy analysts by helping them to consider future trends and continually learn about the ways in which AI is changing. This course may be useful for helping one to weigh up the positives and negatives of using general AI to cope with disruption to the workplace, assess the impact of general AI on society, and stay on top of changing attitudes towards the use of general AI and changes to government policy and regulation.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist investigates fundamental scientific questions and develops new technologies, often with a focus on AI and machine learning. This course may be useful for Research Scientists, because it provides a background of AI and considers the ethical challenges that it presents. Research Scientists must be aware of the potential consequences of using inaccurate or biased information created by general AI. Taking this course can give Research Scientists the tools to think critically about their research and its implications.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications, often incorporating AI functionalities. Being aware of ethical considerations of AI are useful for Software Engineers. Taking this course will help Software Engineers to recognize the consequences of using incorrect or biased information created by general AI. Furthermore, this course will allow Software Engineers to reflect on possible future AI developments in AI.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Privacy Consultant

A Data Privacy Consultant advises organizations on how to protect personal data and comply with privacy regulations. The course may be useful for Data Privacy Consultants, as it examines the ethical challenges related to data privacy and security. The course also explores guidelines and frameworks around responsible use of AI and intellectual property rights and copyright. Understanding the positives and negatives of using general AI as a student, and recognizing appropriate ways to cite the use of AI, will assist data privacy consultants in their work.

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Chief Technology Officer

The Chief Technology Officer, or CTO, is the executive in charge of an organization's technological needs and research and development. Often, the CTO must weigh the costs and benefits of new technologies. The CTO will find this course useful, as it examines the benefits of using general AI. This course will also help weigh the ethical challenges of AI, so that the CTO can be confident that the AI content produced is unbiased, accurate and transparent.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager guides the development and launch of new products, ensuring they meet customer needs and align with business goals. This course may be useful for Product Managers, because ethical AI and its consequences can affect the success or failure of a product. This course will allow Product Managers to identify differences in the usage protocols of different policies. The Product Manager will also learn ways to ethically use AI in the workplace.

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Ethical AI for Students

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Ethical ai for students: foundational overview

Activities

Career center

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