In a joint statement published today, 24 vice-chancellors from Russell Group universities pledged to ensure the ethical and responsible use of new technologies such as generative AI and ChatGPT.
Universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of equipping students and staff with AI literacy skills to take advantage of the opportunities presented by technological advances in teaching and learning.
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group, commented: “Providing students with a thorough education and qualification in this field is critical to building a dynamic workforce, as companies crave new employees with the latest technical skills and analytical capabilities.” It's perfect for the future. ”
Developed in collaboration with AI and education experts, the new principles recognize both the risks and opportunities associated with generative AI. The statement highlights the role of Russell Group universities in developing AI leaders who can effectively and responsibly navigate an AI-enabled world.
The five principles outlined in the joint statement are:
- AI literacy support: Universities will support the development of AI literacy skills that enable students and staff to understand and effectively engage with AI.
- Teacher training: Staff members have the knowledge and skills necessary to help students appropriately and effectively utilize generative AI tools in their learning experiences.
- Ethical integration: Universities will adapt their teaching and assessment methods to incorporate the ethical use of generative AI and ensure equal access to its benefits.
- Academic rigor: As universities embrace the transformative power of AI in education, academic integrity and rigor will be maintained.
- Collaboration best practices: As technology and its applications in education evolve, universities will collaborate and share best practices.
The announcement comes shortly after the UK government launched a consultation on the use of generative AI in UK education. By issuing this joint statement, Russell Group universities aim to foster a shared understanding of the values and considerations around AI in education.
Ross Slight, Chief Strategy Officer for EMEA at CI&T, said:
“Education has not yet been transformed by AI. The practices have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean change isn’t on the horizon.
In exams and essays, you run the risk of regurgitating your critical thinking. Educational institutions must ask themselves what is the most effective way to promote and integrate knowledge, and how new technologies can better support this.
While technologies like ChatGPT are here to stay and pose challenges to the education sector, fighting them is a losing battle. Educational institutions need to take advantage of it and use it to their advantage. Great innovations can emerge from this. ”
Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, highlighted the importance of breakthrough advances in AI in reshaping the dynamics of work, equipping students with the skills they need for successful careers. He emphasized the importance of being prepared. He also emphasized the need to support university staff in exploring the potential of AI to enhance teaching methods and effectively engage students.
As the field of AI continues to advance rapidly, this joint statement of principles serves as a testament to Russell Group universities' commitment to harnessing the transformative opportunities presented by AI.
John Kirk, Group Deputy CEO of ITG, commented: “The reality is that if this technology is here to stay and is implemented correctly, it will strengthen the creative industries and help businesses transform their marketing and customer interactions over the long term.
“While the digital skills shortage continues to be a headache for many businesses, having a system in place to better understand these impactful technologies is a step in the right direction. ”
By prioritizing the well-being of students and staff and protecting the integrity of education, these principles will help ensure that AI implementation at universities is based on clear and understood values.
Professor Michael Grove, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education Policy and Standards) at the University of Birmingham, said: As an opportunity rather than a threat.
You can find the complete principles for using AI in education here (PDF)
(Photo by Suad Kamirdeen on Unsplash)
See also: UK to host global AI summit to address potential risks
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