The Importance of Correct Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: Ensuring Effectiveness and Avoiding Pitfalls
- Nancy Kutsup
- Sep 25, 2024
- 6 min read
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On September 12, 2024 Oprah Winfrey aired a TV special, AI and the Future of Us. The potential advantages and disadvantages were discussed. It is imperative that we stay diligent with following its progression and encourage our lawmakers to do everything possible to protect us from the negative impacts of AI. This is the fastest growing technology leaving little time for analysis.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize various fields, from education to healthcare to the arts. However, its effectiveness hinges on how it is used, and it still requires careful human oversight to avoid significant pitfalls. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, understanding its limitations, especially when it comes to generating information and images, is crucial. This article explores the importance of using AI correctly to ensure it achieves its intended goals, with a focus on the necessity of human involvement in fact-checking, the risks associated with AI-generated images, and the need for a clear policy on using AI in education.
The Necessity of Human Oversight
AI systems, particularly those based on machine learning, are powerful tools but are not infallible. These systems learn from vast datasets, and their outputs are only as reliable as the data on which they are trained. Biases inherent in training data can lead to skewed or unfair outcomes. For example, if an AI model is trained on data that reflects societal biases, it may perpetuate those biases in its decisions, leading to unfair treatment of certain groups.
One of the most pressing concerns with AI is its tendency to produce what are known as "hallucinations"—instances where AI generates information that seems plausible but is entirely false or misleading. AI models are designed to predict the most probable output based on their training data, but they do not inherently understand context, nuance, or factual accuracy. This is particularly concerning in educational contexts, where accuracy is paramount. For example, in an educational setting, an AI might generate a seemingly accurate historical date or scientific fact that is entirely fabricated.
Without human oversight, these inaccuracies can propagate misinformation, misleading students, educators and even administrators, which can potentially lead to harmful decisions. This is why fact-checking remains a critical human responsibility when using AI tools. Administrators, educators, students and even content creators must verify the information produced by AI against reliable sources to ensure accuracy and prevent the dissemination of false information.
The Risks of AI-Generated Images
AI's ability to create images from textual descriptions is impressive and those images can be incredibly realistic (as seen above), but they also come with significant risks, particularly when misused. AI-generated images can easily blur the line between reality and fiction, making it challenging to distinguish genuine photos from AI creations, and when used inappropriately, AI can create images that distort reality or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. For instance, AI has been used to create deepfakes—hyper-realistic but entirely fabricated images or videos that can be used to manipulate public perception, spread misinformation, or even blackmail individuals.
In the context of education or media, AI-generated images must be used with caution. The inappropriate use of AI-generated images can undermine the credibility of teaching materials and lead to the dissemination of incorrect information. An AI-created image of a historical event, for example, might unintentionally (or intentionally) alter the event's appearance, leading to a misrepresentation of history. AI-generated images used in history lessons or scientific illustrations must be accurate and truthful. If not, they risk distorting students' understanding of critical concepts. Similarly, AI-generated images used in advertising or for social media purposes can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards or cultural misrepresentations.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to establish guidelines and ethical standards for the use of AI in image generation. This includes clearly labeling AI-generated images, ensuring they do not mislead or misinform, and using them in a way that respects the dignity and privacy of individuals.
Developing a Policy for AI Use in Education
Given the potential benefits and risks associated with AI, it is crucial to develop and implement a comprehensive policy for its use in educational settings. Below are key components of such a policy:
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:
Educators and students must ensure that AI-generated content does not infringe on existing copyrights. AI tools should be used to assist in learning and teaching, not to plagiarize or replicate someone else's work without proper attribution.
Institutions should employ plagiarism detection tools that can analyze AI-generated content to ensure originality and compliance with academic standards.
Ethical Use and Bias Mitigation:
Accuracy and Fact Checking:
Transparency and Accountability:
Responsible AI Image Creation:
Example Artificial Intelligence Policy
Conclusion
AI has the potential to greatly enhance education by providing personalized learning experiences, automating routine tasks, and offering new ways to engage students. However, its effectiveness depends on responsible usage, careful oversight, and adherence to ethical standards. By implementing comprehensive policies and ensuring that AI-generated content is accurate, fair, and transparent, educators can harness the power of AI to enrich the learning experience while minimizing potential risks.
Resources:
To further understand and implement responsible AI usage in education, the following resources are invaluable:
OpenAI’s Developing beneficial AGI safely and responsibly
Learn about OpenAI's guidelines for developing and deploying AI responsibly.
AI Ethics Guidelines by UNESCO
Comprehensive guidelines on ethical AI use in education and other sectors.
Bias in AI: Understanding and Mitigation
An in-depth exploration of biases in AI systems and strategies to mitigate them.
Fact-Checking Tools and Resources
Tools to help verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.
RAND | Tools that Fight Disinformation Online
The Duke Videofactchecking Tool is a browser extension that will provide live factchecking of information on television. It was assessed by the developers using user-based experiments. Users generally liked having the pop-ups generated by this tool, although they differed on whether they preferred getting a "rating" or just the raw factual information.
Factcheck.org is a website affiliated with the Annenburg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania that performs fact-checking. The purpose of the website is to "monitor the factual accuracy" that is present in American politics. It focuses on statements made by U.S. politicians. The group has a number of journalists who research material.
HackerFactor is a web-based verification tool that provides information about the source, timestamp, creation, and modification information of images.
Pulitzer Prize winning site run by editors and reporters from the Tampa Bay Times (Florida) newspaper. "PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics.... The PolitiFact state sites are run by news organizations that have partnered with the Times." Read about their principles under 'About Us.'
Plagiarism Detection Tools
Solutions to ensure the originality of academic work.
Copyright Information and Guidelines
Understand the basics of copyright laws to prevent infringement.
AI in Education Resources
Best practices and research on integrating AI into educational settings.
AI Image Generation Ethics
Guidelines for the responsible creation and use of AI-generated images.
Educational Policies on AI Use
Frameworks for developing institutional policies on AI in education.
Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
Resources to help educators foster critical thinking skills in students.
Edutopia's AI Article Library
A comprehensive list of articles regarding AI and education