University of Michigan finalizes principles for artificial intelligence use in education

• MLive Express Desk

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan has finalized six guiding principles for using artificial intelligence (AI) in education after gathering feedback from people across campus.

According to an Oct. 21 story in The University Record, the principles give the university a shared starting point for deciding how to use AI in teaching, learning, research and daily operations. They do not create new policies.

The principles describe the values and issues that should guide decisions about whether and how to use AI in different fields.

“A human-centered approach to AI means respecting people's ability to make their own choices and giving them access to information that helps them make thoughtful decisions about using AI in their work,” said Ravi Pendse, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “These principles help us support learning and discovery while keeping the needs and values of our community at the center.”

Read more: Bot instructors? AI use at University of Michigan differs across campus

The process began with the AI in Education Working Group. The group prepared a report based on extensive research into AI use and teaching methods, comparisons with other institutions, and a survey of faculty members. University leaders used the report to write an early draft of the principles. They then asked faculty, staff and students to share their views through a form published Sept. 3 in The University Record.

Leaders at different levels of the university reviewed the feedback and used it to improve the final draft. Key ideas included using AI carefully and responsibly, checking its results closely, and keeping human judgment central. Another important idea was that students need to work through challenges themselves as part of learning.

The six principles ask the university to:

- Promote responsible AI use that puts people first and helps people do more instead of replacing their abilities

- Support the university's mission by carefully using AI to improve teaching and research

- Help people develop critical thinking skills while learning how to understand and use AI

- Make purposeful choices and keep improving over time

- Put ethics, honesty and openness first

- Protect the privacy of data and the university community.

“People in our learning community, from department chairs to undergraduates, made a number of themes clear during this process,” said Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The most important message was that people must remain responsible for decisions and use their own judgment. AI can help make amazing advances possible, but we must give our educational community the power to decide whether and when to use it.”

The university is also working on policies for using AI in its daily operations, according to The University Record story.