Avoiding AI Harm from Coursera

This course is designed for those in roles with decision making power, to help them understand major topics to consider for using and developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, including popular Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and others. It covers real-world examples of situations where AI was used in variety of fields and situations in ways hat revealed ethical concerns. Strategies are suggested to avoid doing harm working with AI, including a framework for working responsibly with AI.

Unique Features of this Course

- Broadly applicable to audiences of any field

- Efficient yet effective overview of major ethical concerns

- Beginner friendly for those who want to get started using generative AI tools

- Practical tips for how to work with and develop AI tools more consciously

- Examples of real-world uses of AI which have raised ethical debate

Key Words

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ethics, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Data Science

Intended Audience

- Professionals looking for an introduction to AI Ethics

- Decision makers who may have to help write AI policies or determine how AI will be used at an institute

- Anyone curious about how we can use AI more responsibly

Note: It is helpful to have some fundamental knowledge about what AI is and how it works. This course is not intended as legal advice, we advise that learners seek expert ethical and legal guidance when writing policies or launching new AI projects .

Learning Objectives

- Describe key ethical concerns for using AI tools

- Explain why AI should be thought of as a better computer, not a human replacement

- Discuss the potential benefits of being transparent about the use of AI tools

- Recognize real-world examples of AI usage that has resulted in ethical debate

- Explain the necessity for independent validation of AI models

- Identify possible mitigation strategies for major ethical concerns with regard to the algorithms underlying AI tools

- Describe practices that can help you to adhere to more responsible AI use and development

- Identify concepts and strategies for promoting social justice in AI use and development

- Discuss nuances involved with consent in the use of AI

- Describe a possible process for reflecting on ethical AI use and development

Accessibility

We are committed to making our content accessible and available to all. We welcome any feedback you might have at https://forms.gle/3sTZpctxzYyhj74NA. Questions related to accessibility accommodations should be directed to https://studentserviceportal.force.com/s/.

PDF versions of this course can be found at https://hutchdatascience.org/AI_for_Decision_Makers/introduction-to-avoiding-ai-harm.html.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Avoiding AI Harm

This course is intended to introduce some of the major ethical issues related to using and developing AI tools, as well as possible general mitigation strategies for those in decision making positions. It also introduces real-world examples of situations that revealed troubling ethical concerns. The course is not meant to replace legal or ethical counsel, but rather to introduce topics to help such discussions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Carrie Wright who has a PhD in Computer Science and has taught at Carnegie Mellon University, University of Chicago, and Georgia Tech

Explores key ethical concerns related to using and developing AI tools, a topic highly relevant in industry and academia

Provides mitigation strategies for ethical concerns with AI tools, which is valuable for professionals in decision-making roles

Presents real-world examples of situations where AI usage raised ethical concerns, offering practical insights

Suitable for professionals looking for an introduction to AI Ethics and decision makers involved in AI policy and implementation

Introduces strategies for promoting social justice in AI use and development, addressing an important aspect of responsible AI

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 Avoiding AI Harm with these activities:

Refresh knowledge of AI basics

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Reviewing foundational concepts of AI will provide a strong foundation for understanding the ethical concerns covered in the course.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Review definitions and types of AI
Go over basic AI algorithms
Explore case studies of AI applications

Read 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence' by S. Russell and P. Norvig

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical considerations surrounding the development and use of AI, aligning with the core themes covered in the course.

View Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and... on Amazon

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Read chapters on ethical principles and AI
Analyze case studies on AI bias and fairness
Consider the implications of AI for society

Develop an AI ethical impact assessment framework

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Creating a framework for assessing ethical impacts of AI will enhance critical thinking and practical application of course concepts.

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Identify ethical dimensions and principles
Design a structured assessment process
Create evaluation criteria and metrics
Document and present the framework

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Career center

Learners who complete Avoiding AI Harm will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist develops AI models to solve real-world problems such as recommending products, detecting fraud, and forecasting demand. This course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using and developing AI tools. The course can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI, and how to use it responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer builds, deploys, and maintains machine learning models. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it overviews major ethical concerns related to using and developing AI tools. The course can help them understand how to use AI ethically and avoid potential risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Researcher

Artificial Intelligence Researchers advance the field of AI by developing new algorithms and techniques. This course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces AI's major ethical issues. It can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and how it can be used responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Researcher

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and analyzes data to help businesses make informed decisions. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it can help them understand the ethical implications of using AI in data analysis. The course can help them identify and avoid potential risks and ensure AI is used responsibly.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager oversees the development and launch of new products. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it covers real-world examples of situations where AI was used in product development. The course can help them understand the ethical implications of using AI and how to use it responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it covers real-world examples of situations where AI was used in project management. The course can help them understand how AI can be used to manage projects ethically and responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps businesses identify and solve problems. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it overviews major ethical concerns in using and developing AI tools. The course can help them understand how AI can be used to solve business problems ethically and responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using AI in software development. The course can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and how to use it responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice to businesses on various topics. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using AI. The course can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and how to advise clients on using it responsibly.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it overviews major ethical concerns related to using and developing AI tools. The course can help them understand the ethical implications of using AI in their business and how to use it responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Researcher

A Researcher conducts original research in a variety of fields. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using AI in research. The course can help them understand how AI can be used to advance research and how to use it responsibly.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it overviews major ethical concerns related to using and developing AI tools. The course can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and how to advise clients on using it responsibly.

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Journalist

A Journalist reports on current events and issues. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it covers real-world examples of situations where AI was used in journalism. The course can help them understand the ethical implications of using AI in journalism and how to use it responsibly.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using AI in education. The course can help them understand how AI can be used to improve teaching and learning and how to use it responsibly.

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Policymaker

A Policymaker develops and implements policies that govern various aspects of society. The course in Avoiding AI Harm may be useful because it introduces some of the major ethical issues related to using AI. The course can help them understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and how to develop policies that promote its responsible use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policymaker