AI and technology's Bias

With the accessible emergence and continue integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in technology, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DEI) is more than ever relevant. Before AI, Technology already came with a bias. For instance, when using a simple program it is easy to assume that it's default settings are aligned to the way the user spell's words, records a calendar date, receives directions, measure weight, or even enter numerical formats. It takes some care and a little knowledge to manage these settings to ensure the application is set correctly.  More sophisticated biases are also found in online search engine results (Algorithmic Bias & Search Systems, 2021) or in online discussions (Online discussions Classes: Evidence from a Field Experiment, 2018) that impact demographic perceptions in political, race, and religious views. Having critical thinking skills to be able to discern a biases is crucial in today's digital world and these skills should start in education.

Andre Perry and Nicol Lee, puts it their article, AI is coming to schools (2019), if we are not careful AI will increase bias in schools and do more harm than good to vulnerable populations. The authors were not far off too. With the launch of ChatGPT 3 at the end of 2022,  Zachary Wolfe, writer for CNN shared examples how Chat GPT was derogatory, racist, and ethically bogus because the "software [just] learns by example" (AI can be racist, sexist and creepy. What should we do about it?, 2023). As we continue to program and interact with AI, we need to be more objective and very intentional on what it learns.

Companies, like Digital Promise, are helping educators on how to assess AI in the classroom with resources and training. In an article, What Do Edtech and AI Have to Do with Racial Bias? (2021), Digital Promise offers a certification to identify when AI is prone to assumptions in its algorithmic design and have blind spots learning from polarized datasets.  Every Learner Everywhere is another organization providing guidance for all edtech tools (How College Faculty can confront unconscious bias in Edtech tools, 2021).  They provide resources and tools to identify how administrative systems and facial recognition systems in education can clearly screw and misidentify minorities and vulnerable groups due to social and economical disadvantages (How ed tech can worsen racial inequality, 2023; What Do Edtech and AI Have to Do with Racial Bias, 2021).  

As AI and technology bias come with a BIAS, I bring a bias as well. When evaluating technology, I have learned to create a process and get input from my perspectives other than my own. Especially since, I am a white, middle age, male, a diverse perspective is required when considering learning technology. Engaging, various stakeholders in the school not only ensures it is appropriate it also increases engagement and buy-in when implementation takes place. It is also wonderful for my own learning. Being prudent evaluating new technology is beneficial too because, Kimberly D. Elsbach, a MIT professor points out our "implicit bias toward new technology may lead to sizable investments in products and services that are unproven or even unsafe" (Evaluating New Technology? You’re More Biased Than You May Realize, 2023).  

As things continue to be more precarious, teachers will need formal training. Two Princeton University students, Collin Riggins and Payton Croskey, examined "how technology can be used to promote better education practices for diverse students if it is used properly" Riggin's commented that technology is not homogenous, it needs to be fashion "for a specific group and specific environments." (Black College Students Are Leading the Movement to Eliminate Bias in Tech, 2022). By being able to identify the biases, teachers can be more effective and aware with how the technology influences and impacts student learning. 

Going one step further, I would assert students need bias training as well. As our students enter the world, we need global citizens that can discern when systems maybe biased. There is already an issue that AI systems exacerbate racial bias..." (What Do Edtech and AI Have to Do with Racial Bias, 2021). Gender bias as well with AI chat systems (How AI bots and voice assistants reinforce gender bias, 2020). As part of the Global Citizenship focuses at schools, bias awareness training needs to be included to teach students how AI and technology in general influences their perceptions and decisions.