Critical perspectives on AI in education: political economy, discrimination, commercialization, governance and ethics
AI in education is not only a challenging area of technical development and educational innovation, but increasingly the focus of critical analysis informed by the social sciences, philosophy and theory. This chapter provides an overview of critical perspectives on AI in education (AIED), highlighting the interdisciplinary and multisector historical development of AIED; the political economy of AIED; the emergence of ethical issues of bias and discrimination; the expansion of commercial “edu-businesses” and “Big Tech” companies promising AI solutions in education; the role of AI in educational policy and governance; and the recent emergence of AIED ethics proposals and frameworks. The purpose is to highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches to AI in education that would involve the expertise of learning scientists, computer scientists and social scientists working together productively and critically to design and assess the results and implications of AIED.
AI in education is not only a challenging area of technical development and educational innovation, but increasingly the focus of critical analysis informed by the social sciences, philosophy and theory. This chapter provides an overview of critical perspectives on AI in education (AIED), highlighting the interdisciplinary and multisector historical development of AIED; the political economy of AIED; the emergence of ethical issues of bias and discrimination; the expansion of commercial “edu-businesses” and “Big Tech” companies promising AI solutions in education; the role of AI in educational policy and governance; and the recent emergence of AIED ethics proposals and frameworks. The purpose is to highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches to AI in education that would involve the expertise of learning scientists, computer scientists and social scientists working together productively and critically to design and assess the results and implications of AIED.
Executive Summary
The article 'Critical perspectives on AI in education: political economy, discrimination, commercialization, governance and ethics' provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted and interdisciplinary challenges associated with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. It highlights the historical development of AI in education (AIED), the political economy surrounding it, ethical concerns such as bias and discrimination, the commercialization by 'edu-businesses' and 'Big Tech', and the role of AI in educational policy and governance. The article emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among learning scientists, computer scientists, and social scientists to critically assess the implications and outcomes of AIED.
Key Points
- ▸ Interdisciplinary and multisector historical development of AIED
- ▸ Political economy of AIED and its implications
- ▸ Ethical issues of bias and discrimination in AIED
- ▸ Expansion of commercial 'edu-businesses' and 'Big Tech' in AIED
- ▸ Role of AI in educational policy and governance
- ▸ Emergence of AIED ethics proposals and frameworks
Merits
Comprehensive Overview
The article provides a thorough and well-rounded discussion of the various critical perspectives on AI in education, covering a wide range of topics from political economy to ethics.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The article emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which is crucial for addressing the complex challenges posed by AI in education.
Critical Analysis
The article offers a critical analysis of the current state of AI in education, highlighting both the opportunities and the potential pitfalls.
Demerits
Lack of Specific Case Studies
While the article provides a broad overview, it could benefit from specific case studies or examples to illustrate the points more concretely.
Generalized Recommendations
The recommendations for interdisciplinary collaboration are somewhat generalized and could be more specific in terms of actionable steps.
Expert Commentary
The article effectively highlights the multifaceted nature of AI in education, emphasizing the need for a critical and interdisciplinary approach. The discussion on the political economy of AIED is particularly insightful, as it underscores the commercial interests driving the adoption of AI technologies in education. The ethical concerns raised, such as bias and discrimination, are crucial for ensuring that AI is used responsibly and equitably. However, the article could benefit from more specific examples or case studies to illustrate these points. The recommendations for interdisciplinary collaboration are well-founded but could be more actionable. Overall, the article provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on AI in education and underscores the importance of a balanced and critical approach to its integration.
Recommendations
- ✓ Incorporate specific case studies or examples to illustrate the critical perspectives discussed in the article.
- ✓ Provide more actionable recommendations for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among learning scientists, computer scientists, and social scientists.
