UNESCO places limits on its use of Artificial Intelligence in schools
Growing concern about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools has prompted UNESCO to develop new guidelines. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released these guidelines at a recent conference in Paris. The goal is to ensure not only effective learning but also student safety.
Growing concerns: AI is becoming a phenomenon in schools
Even before the school year began, teachers expressed serious concerns about the growing use of AI tools like ChatGPT. These tools can generate texts that are indistinguishable from human texts, fueling fears of plagiarism and cheating on exams or homework.
The seven pillars of the UNESCO guidelines on Artificial Intelligence at school
The new UNESCO guidelines propose seven key areas for action. These include developing a national policy framework, creating regulations for the ethical use of AI, and guidelines for data protection and privacy. The goal is to provide governments with a path to "regulate generative AI and establish policy frameworks for its ethical use in education and research."
Age limit for the use of Artificial Intelligence: a proactive move by UNESCO
UNESCO hasn't just issued guidelines; it has also imposed an age limit for the use of certain AI tools. For platforms like ChatGPT, the minimum age has been set at 13. This decision was made following a survey that found that fewer than 101 TP3T schools and universities have guidelines in place regarding the use of AI.
UNESCO's official position: a balance between opportunities and risks
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, emphasized the duality of the situation. "Generative AI has the potential to be an incredible accelerator for human development. However, it also poses significant risks and, as such, cannot be integrated into education without a robust regulatory framework," she stated.
In summary, while AI offers extraordinary opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education, it is crucial to regulate its use. This is to ensure that students acquire important skills such as critical thinking and creativity, without compromising their safety or academic integrity. UNESCO's new guidelines are a significant step towards responsible regulation of AI in schools, striking a balance between technological innovation and human well-being.
