Marymount University President Irma Becerra recently addressed the ethical considerations surrounding AI during a presentation to the Board of Trustees. With concerns about the potential for students to use AI technology like ChatGPT to write papers, educators must consider precautions to ensure that AI does not hinder students’ opportunities for growth and learning. Despite the promises of increased quality of life and advancements in AI, leaders must address ethical concerns and safety risks associated with the implementation of AI within their organizations.
Some ethical concerns related to AI include its potential to create and distribute harmful content, ignore copyrights or sensitive information, amplify biases in data, and lead to job displacement. As AI continues to advance, leaders must help employees adapt to changes driven by AI and implement steps to mitigate social risks and potential misuse. Courageous leadership is essential in addressing these concerns, emphasizing the need for organizational accountability and ethical decision-making.
Leaders play a crucial role in championing ethics in the era of AI, which presents rapid change and uncertainty. Acting in alignment with organizational values, establishing a strong ethical work culture, and proactively identifying and addressing potential ethical challenges are essential steps in promoting ethical decision-making. Transparency and education about AI capabilities and limitations help employees make responsible decisions about when and how to leverage AI tools for optimal results.
AI can be used to augment learning in educational settings, offering tools like intelligent tutoring systems that mimic the role of a human tutor and provide personalized guidance, feedback, and insights into student performance. Despite the potential for AI to assist learning, educators must be mindful of ensuring that students do not become overly reliant on AI technology and miss out on crucial learning experiences. As AI continues to shape the educational landscape, educators must adapt their teaching strategies to meet the needs of students and leverage technology effectively.
Establishing clear communication channels for employees to raise concerns about potential ethical issues and providing AI training for all employees are crucial steps in ensuring responsible technology use. Creating an open culture for reporting ethical issues, offering workshops, and formal training by experts can equip organizations to navigate the changes brought about by AI technology. As leaders, it is essential to champion responsible AI use, maintain high ethical standards, and act with integrity to ensure that AI serves as a force for good in the future.
