Academics urge for regulatory measures in AI implementation
In the rapidly evolving scene of academia, the lack of precise regulations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) usage could potentially sprout various predicaments, as per experts' views. As AI becomes a cornerstone in academic research and education, it's becoming increasingly imperative to instate policies governing its application.
A panel discussion at the University of Development Studies' Faculty of Bioscience highlighted these concerns, with certain staff members expressing that AI has become an integral part of academia, but only needs regulation to ensure responsible implementation by both students and faculty. They emphasized the need for comprehensive regulations tailored explicitly to the academic environment to ensure ethical AI implementation.
The Dean of the Faculty of Bioscience at the University for Development Studies, Prof. Elliott Haruna Alhassan, stressed the importance of an AI policy for the university to promote quality education while tackling high plagiarism. He explained that AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize various research fields by automating processes, analyzing vast data sets, and generating valuable insights. However, without clear-cut guidelines, there is a substantial risk of unintended consequences, misuse of technology, and ethical principles violation.
Prof. Abdul-Barik Alhassan, Head of Department (HOD), Computer Science, highlighted that AI has become indispensable in this digital era, and academic institutions can only manage its usage by implementing a regulatory policy. He pointed out that over-reliance on AI might result in being stuck in the information era without the technical expertise to become innovative and address societal challenges.
Senior Lecturer, Saeed Folorunso Majeed, opined that there is a necessity to educate students on the ethical use of digital tools to ensure appropriate AI application. He revealed that students have been found engaging in plagiarism by copying questions to apps to generate answers, which raises concerns about the ethical application of technology in academia.
Key areas for regulatory focus include ethical considerations, transparency and explainability, intellectual property, and accountability.
While regulatory policies for AI in academia are budding, they are still fragmented. Potential improvements include developing standard evaluation methods for AI systems, institutionalizing clear ethical guidelines, requiring transparency and explainability, harmonizing regulations to reduce compliance burdens, involving academic researchers, ethicists, and the public in policy shaping, and establishing mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of AI regulations as technology and societal needs evolve. strengthening compliance and security through robust security measures and accountability mechanisms.
Characteristics of current AI policies include state and national legislation, international frameworks, and a rapid pace of technological advancement that outstrips the development of robust regulatory and ethical frameworks. Future improvements should focus on addressing the governance gap, balancing innovation and regulation, and strengthening compliance and security.
- In order to promote responsible AI usage and maintain ethical standards within academia, the University of Development Studies seeks to instate comprehensive policies, as AI has become an integral part of its research and education.
- The Dean of the Faculty of Bioscience, Prof. Elliott Haruna Alhassan, emphasized that an AI policy is crucial for the university to foster quality education while addressing plagiarism, as AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize research fields and generate valuable insights.
- Prof. Abdul-Barik Alhassan, HOD of Computer Science, advocates for implementing a regulatory policy in academic institutions to ensure manageable AI usage, preventing over-reliance that could limit innovation and societal problem-solving.
- Recognizing the importance of understanding ethical AI application, Senior Lecturer Saeed Folorunso Majeed emphasized the need to educate students on ethical AI usage, addressing concerns about plagiarism and unethical technology utilization in academia.
Keywords: technology, development, innovation, report, policy, education, artificial-intelligence, regulation, academia, ethics, plagiarism, researchers, governance, innovation-regulation balance, compliance, security.
