As students worldwide begin a new school year, UNESCO has released its first public guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The organization is urging governments to implement regulations and provide training for teachers to address the potential disruptions caused by this technology in schools.
The new guide from UNESCO emphasizes the need for policies that protect data privacy and establish age limits for users under 13. It also seeks to ensure the rights of teachers and researchers by advocating for government-sanctioned AI curricula and administrative training programs for school education.
According to UNESCO, the lack of national regulations on generative AI in most countries leaves the data privacy of users unprotected and educational institutions ill-prepared to evaluate and validate these tools.
Earlier this year, UNESCO raised concerns about the rapid deployment of generative AI in schools without proper public scrutiny or regulations at the national level. The organization now calls for adequate safeguards and regulations to be established by governments.
While China has already formulated rules for AI use and the European Union’s AI Act is under consideration, many other countries are lagging behind in developing their own AI laws. UNESCO stresses the importance of public engagement and government involvement in integrating generative AI into education, to prevent potential harm and prejudice.
The use of generative AI in schools has gained significant popularity, with students and teachers adopting programs that can generate written content and perform mathematical calculations with minimal input. However, a recent global survey conducted by UNESCO revealed that less than 10% of schools and universities have institutional policies or formal guidance in place for the use of generative AI.
Concerns have been raised about the misuse and abuse of generative AI, particularly in academic settings. Instances of AI-generated academic papers and copyright infringement by image generators have been reported. UNESCO’s guide highlights the importance of matching the emergence of publicly available AI tools with regulatory frameworks to protect education and research.
This UNESCO guidance serves as a resource for policymakers and teachers to navigate the potential of AI technology in the best interest of learners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is generative artificial intelligence (AI)?
Generative AI refers to a branch of artificial intelligence that involves creating new content, such as text, images, or videos, based on patterns and examples provided by humans or through machine learning algorithms. It can generate original and creative outputs resembling those produced by humans.
Why is UNESCO urging governments to regulate generative AI in schools?
UNESCO is calling for government regulation of generative AI in schools to address potential disruptions and protect the privacy and rights of users, particularly students. The absence of regulations leaves user data vulnerable and educational institutions unprepared to evaluate and validate these AI tools.
What are the concerns about generative AI in education?
Concerns about generative AI in education include potential misuse and abuse, copyright infringement, and violations of personal data and privacy rights. There is also a need to ensure equitable access to AI tools in schools and prevent the widening digital data divide.
How can generative AI be integrated into education?
UNESCO suggests integrating generative AI into education through the establishment of government-sanctioned AI curricula, administrative training for school education, and policies that protect data privacy and set age limits for users. Public engagement and government involvement are emphasized to ensure the safe and responsible use of generative AI in classrooms.
What is the aim of UNESCO’s guidance on generative AI?
UNESCO’s guidance aims to assist policymakers and teachers in navigating the potential of generative AI for the benefit of learners. The guidance provides insights on regulations, privacy protections, and the responsible use of generative AI in educational settings.
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