EdTech Insight – Never mind killer robots—here are six real AI dangers to watch out for in 2019

by | Jan 7, 2019 | MIT Tech Review, News & Insights

421/ethics-experts-are-quietly-alarmed-by-the-militarys-pursuit-of-artificial/”>vowed not to weaponize AI.

The ethical debates around AI in 2018 went beyond its potential use in warfare and embraced broader questions about fairness and accountability. When facial recognition and sentiment-analysis algorithms are applied to education systems, employment decisions, or policing, they can end up entrenching prejudice, bias, or censorship.

What to watch for in 2019: Researchers will continue to debate and attempt to improve the technical formulation of concerns about AI ethics, fairness, and privacy. But lawmakers will be pressed to go further and incentivize technology companies ethics consciousness, especially in areas like defense, policing, and homeland security.

Executive Summary and Main Points:

AI technology has made significant advancements in the past year, particularly in perceptual tasks such as image classification and speech transcription. However, issues such as failure in self-driving car technology, political manipulation bots, and ethical debates on the use of AI in different industries have emerged. With the increasing integration of AI in various sectors, it is important to carefully consider its potential impact and applicability, while also addressing potential criticism and shortfalls. Recommendations for implementing AI in educational technology projects will require strategic insights from international education leadership.

Potential Impact in the Education Sector:

The potential impact of AI in the education sector is significant, particularly in further and higher education, as well as the growing trend of micro-credentials. However, recent incidents, such as the fatal accident involving an Uber self-driving car, have highlighted the need for caution in the development and deployment of these technologies. Additionally, the potential for AI to be used in political manipulation through social media platforms raises concerns about the implications for healthy debate and the learning environment. Partnerships and strategic approaches to digitalization will be crucial in mitigating these risks and ensuring the responsible integration of AI in education.

Potential Applicability in the Education Sector:

The education sector can benefit greatly from the applications of AI, particularly in the realm of personalized learning and assessment. AI tools can be tailored to fit different global education systems and offer innovative solutions to challenges such as student engagement and achievement. With the increasing demand for micro-credentials and alternative forms of higher education, AI can also support the development and recognition of these credentials. Educators and education leaders must be proactive in exploring and adopting these tools to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the future digital landscape.

Criticism and Potential Shortfalls:

Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of AI in education has faced criticism and raised concerns. In the case of self-driving cars, the failure of technology has highlighted the need for thorough testing and regulation. In the realm of political manipulation, AI has demonstrated its ability to spread false information and polarize opinions, which poses a threat to the principles of open and diverse education. These potential shortfalls must be addressed through critical analysis and real-world examples, with consideration given to ethical and cultural implications. Comparative international case studies can also provide insight into potential risks and best practices for mitigating them.

Actionable Recommendations:

To implement AI in education, a strategic and responsible approach is necessary. Education leaders should prioritize the development of AI ethics and policies, incentivize technology companies to prioritize ethical considerations, and foster partnerships with relevant industries. Additionally, educators should actively explore innovative AI tools and incorporate them into teaching and learning practices. As the use of AI in education continues to grow, it is crucial for education leadership to guide and monitor its development for the overall benefit of students, teachers, and society.

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