Decorative image of a girl using a virtual reality headset

Introduction to AI and Generative AI

Artificial Intelligence, simply known as AI, is the ability of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), popularised by the emergence of ChatGPT, is a distinct subset of AI, which produces new and meaningful content. The content produced can take the form of text, images, program code and sound. Commonly encountered examples of generative AI include: ChatGPT, Copilot, DALL-E, and Gemini.

Ethics and Bias of AI

The ethical use of AI refers to using AI technologies such as ChatGPT and DALL-E in a manner that is responsible, fair, transparent, and beneficial to all. For teachers and school leaders, this concept is particularly relevant because it directly impacts their work, students, and school.

Unfortunately, generative AI tools can perpetuate biases and stereotypes as a result of the large datasets upon which they are trained, as well as the algorithms (i.e. programming code/logic) that essentially form their ‘brain’. Consequently, teachers and school leaders (through implementing policies and guidelines for using AI) need to critically assess AI tools for their educational value and ethical implications.

Decorative image of a robot in front of a laptop

Gender Bias and Inclusivity of Gender

AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E learn from existing historical data, which may include biases and prejudices. For example, if the training datasets contain text or media that reflect the underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) than this can lead to generative AI predicting or creating content about gender roles (e.g. coding is a male field).