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Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Learning Analytics in Distance Education Contexts

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Learning Analytics in Open and Distributed Learning

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Education ((BRIEFSODE))

Abstract

AI is seen as the future engine of education and many expect AI to significantly transform education and drastically alter teaching tools, learning approaches, access to knowledge and teacher training. It is increasingly impossible to think of learning analytics without AI. There are, however, several concerns surrounding the ethics of using AI in education. This chapter addresses selected ethical issues emerging from a range of examples pertaining to the use of AI in learning analytics such as (1) profiling and prediction; (2) intelligent tutoring systems; (3) assessment and evaluation; and (4) adaptive systems and personalisation. The authors also discuss specific broader issues pertaining to the use of AI in learning analytics such as (1) human rights concerns; (2) data ownership; (3) data privacy and consent; (4) digital exclusion due to algorithmic biases; and (5) student and staff views. The authors conclude that we need to understand AI, and AI in education, not as neutral, but as entangled in ideological, political, social, economic, and technological assumptions and aspirations. This chapter concludes that higher education institutions should consider the limitations of AI solutions as well their possibility for doing harm until formal ethical frameworks for their implementation are well established.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    Leona Ungerer

  2. Earth Trust, Abingdon, UK

    Sharon Slade

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  1. Leona Ungerer
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  2. Sharon Slade
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Correspondence to Leona Ungerer .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

    Paul Prinsloo

  2. Earth Trust, Abingdon, UK

    Sharon Slade

  3. Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    Mohammad Khalil

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Ungerer, L., Slade, S. (2022). Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Learning Analytics in Distance Education Contexts. In: Prinsloo, P., Slade, S., Khalil, M. (eds) Learning Analytics in Open and Distributed Learning. SpringerBriefs in Education(). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0786-9_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0786-9_8

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