Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, etc. have taken over the world of higher education in the past few months. While these tools are helpful aids to teaching, learning, and research, others worry about inappropriate (i.e., unethical or irresponsible) use and how to address that. Given that AI is being put into many tools that we interact with daily in search engines like Google and Bing, productivity and office software like Google Drive & Microsoft Office, and a seemingly endless number of educational technologies, many people will have a hard time avoiding AI.

In this course/workshop, we will shed light on the current state of legislative measures, ethical principles and frameworks, and the essential task of understanding and mitigating the risks that Generative AI might present. In addition, to share knowledge to navigate the ethical and responsible dimensions of Generative AI effectively. In response to ethical and practical concerns posed by the development and use of AI systems, organizations such as universities issued and implemented policies, guidance documents, and the like to promote the ethical and responsible use of AI in research and education as a primary goal, and to prevent the potential harms of AI systems as a secondary goal. There is consensus that AI systems present a wide range of potential benefits. AI systems also have the potential to cause social, psychological, and environmental harm, etc. For that reason, many universities are implementing AI policies to maximize potential benefits and mitigate potential harms of AI systems.  We will look at the KAUST policy landscape in this regard. Finally, we have included Digital IQ and Wellness activities as part of this workshop.

Objectives and Outcome

This workshop plans to explain the basics of how these tools work, some common opportunities and limitations of current AI technology, and how to discuss appropriate and inappropriate generative AI usage in research and education. Additional topics include, but are not limited to Generative AI concerning Autonomy, Agency and Bias (Language and Inequality), etc. This course examines the various international ethical principles and guidelines to promote the responsible use of AI. There are several guidance documents (some in draft/concept format) from Canada, the US, the EU, the UK, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.

Learning Outcomes

The outcomes of this workshop will enable the participants to:

1. Explain the basics of how generative AI tools like ChatGPT work
2. Identify opportunities for using these tools in the research process
3. Formulate plans to discuss generative AI usage with students
4. Ethical considerations of using generative AI including privacy concerns, bias, and authorship credit
5. Regulatory frameworks and governance in AI (current proposals for regulatory requirements for generative AI and implications of regulating with generative AI, including using ChatGPT to draft legislation)
6. Understanding the importance of compliance with institutional policies and governance concerning the use of AI in academic writing