1. AI Episode 1: Intro to Artificial Intelligence in Teaching
  2. AI Episode 2: What Does An AI Teaching Assistant Look Like?
  3. AI Episode 3: Implications for Thought Leaders and Policy Developers
  4. Introducing Simulations into Teacher Preparation Programs
  5. Assistive Technology to Support Writing
  6. Enhancing Instruction and Empowering Educators with AI Tools and Technology
  7. So, AI Ruined Your Term Paper Assignment?
  8. Step by Step Use of Chat GPT
  9. CIDDL ChatGPT: Summarizing Text
  10. CIDDL ChatGPT: Solving Multiple Choice Questions
  11. Equity, Diversity, and Access to Technology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  12. CIDDL ChatGPT: Writing Programs
  13. CIDDL ChatGPT: Solving Word Problems
  14. Artificial Intelligence: Positives and Negatives in the Mathematics Classroom
  15. AI to Support Literacy
  16. Using the AI Bill of Rights to Guide Education’s use of AI and the European Commission’s “Ethical Guidelines for Teaching and Learning” to Guide the Future of AI in Education Part 1 of 2
  17. Using the AI Bill of Rights to Guide Education’s use of AI and the European Commission’s “Ethical Guidelines for Teaching and Learning” to Guide the Future of AI in Education Part 2 of 2
Mother helping child on a laptop.

Equity, Diversity, and Access to Technology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Author: Ashley Y. Grays, M.Ed; info@ciddl.org

The recent emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, has caused an uproar in the academic community. Educators and leaders are debating the use of the tool as well as how it will change the way we educate. AI is becoming increasingly commonplace in our everyday lives, and its use is growing in many fields, from health care to education. With this growth, it is essential to consider how this technology could affect individuals of different backgrounds, abilities, and resources. 

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in recent history. AI can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as decision-making, problem-solving and complex writing. As AI technology advances, so do the applications. One recent example is the development of Chat GPT, a text-generating AI tool that can write entire conversations. This AI system was trained on millions of conversations to learn how humans communicate with each other. With its capabilities, Chat GPT can create realistic dialogue for automated customer service bots and other chat-based applications. This development has significant potential for writing tasks and implications for education. Check out our recent blog Step by Step Use of ChatGPT.

The Need for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

AI has incredible potential for advancing our lives. Still, there is a need to ensure that the technology is used in ways that are equitable, diverse, and inclusive. In the United States, there is a persistent gap in achievement and opportunity. AI can be particularly beneficial for students from lower-income communities, those with disabilities, and other marginalized populations if designed in a way that takes into consideration the needs of these groups. 

Educators and leaders must consider diversity, equity, and inclusion when using AI for education because AI tools can perpetuate structural inequalities and create digital barriers to learning. This could lead to students from marginalized groups, such as certain races, gender identities, and social classes, being left behind. AI is increasingly being used in classrooms, and if not monitored and used responsibly, it could create a digital-class divide between students who have access to the right tools and those that do not, only exacerbating existing inequalities in education. 

Access to Technology

Decision-makers must consider digital equity when using artificial intelligence in education to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities. Technologies such as AI can facilitate personalized learning experiences, but students need access to these technologies to benefit from them. Access to technology can be a challenge in certain regions due to poverty, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to internet services. Therefore, considering and accommodating issues of access can ensure that all students have the opportunity to take advantage of the educational opportunities that are available to them, regardless of their social or economic circumstances.

Ensuring Equity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

AI can have a powerful impact on education and can be used to help improve skills such as writing. However, there are several considerations when incorporating AI into the classroom.

  • Students must have equal access to AI-based learning tools. The tools should be accessible to students regardless of their background or socio-economic status.
  • AI tools used in classrooms must not be biased toward any particular group of students. 
  • AI tools should be inclusive and not perpetuate stereotypes. AI should empower students from all backgrounds and abilities rather than perpetuate existing inequalities. This could include using AI to create content that celebrates diversity and avoids language that could be considered discriminatory or offensive.
  • AI should help reduce disparities between students in different areas of learning. For example, AI could provide personalized feedback on writing assignments or essays, enabling students to learn at their own pace and helping to reduce the gap between those with and without access to educational resources. 

In conclusion, it is essential to consider equity, diversity, and access when using AI in education. By providing all students with equal access to AI-based learning tools, ensuring that these tools are inclusive and unbiased, and using AI to reduce disparities between students, we can ensure that everyone can benefit from the power of artificial intelligence.

Tell Us What You Think

What are other considerations leaders and educators should factor into decision-making regarding equity? What other strategies can ensure that AI is used ethically for marginalized populations? Join the conversation in the CIDDL Community.

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