Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools: guidelines and guardrails

Section 6 - Key Considerations withinEthical AI

Adopting an ethical approach to AI helps to prevent AI tools from causing social, environmental or political harm. Adhering to ethical guidelines in the adoption of AI tools is central to building and fostering trust among users, regulators and the public.

Adopting an ethical approach to AI encourages the development of AI technologies for the collective good, ensuring that they benefit society and helps to address broader societal challenges that the rapid development of this technology presents, including the potential misuse of AI for discriminatory or manipulative purposes. An important consideration in the use and development of AI is considering whether it is required at all.

The ethical use of AI, in conjunction with a human-centred approach to education, ensures that it does not interfere with essential relational approaches. In summary, ethical AI is guided by several core principles:

Fairness, Inclusivity & Non-Discriminatory

AI systems should be equally accessible and provide equitable outcomes for all demographic groups (of pupils) including for those in Gaelic Medium Education.

Transparency & Explainability

It should be clear how AI systems produce outputs, allowing stakeholders (teachers, pupils etc.) to understand their capabilities and limitations, and to be informed when interacting with AI.

Accountability

Schools and the national education system must be responsible for the impacts of their AI systems, establishing review processes and human oversight to address negative consequences.

Reliability & Safety

AI systems should be robust, both technically and in their social environment, designed to avoid harm and operate safely.

Privacy & Data Governance

The development and use of AI must respect individual privacy and ensure proper management of user data, including under Data Protection Law.

Human Agency & Oversight

Humans should maintain control over AI systems; in the educational context by teacher professional judgement being fundamental.