Responsible use of AI in VET

Much continues to be talked about generative AI in the media. Be it rogue AI tools, lack of developer oversight, security breaches, impact upon literacy and human intelligence, pace of evolution, positive and negative impacts upon the workforce.

Sadly little is currently being said about the merits of generative AI. It seems to be a 'bit on the nose' right now.

Globally governments, corporations and the education sector are starting to turn their backs on Generative AI. Fear mongering about how it will take away peoples autonomy, leave large swathes of workforces unemployed, and devastate economies and standards of living have taken powerful root.

As a tertiary education provider in Australia what do you do to optimise the capabilities of generative AI, turn these capabilities into benefits and ensure secure, responsible work practices, teaching and learning, and assessment f learning outcomes?

The Australian government has developed and continues to revise guidelines for responsible behaviour in the use of generative AI. These guidelines are world leading.

Similarly, Australia's 2 tertiary education regulators, ASQA & TEQSA, have undertaken detailed and informed consideration about the opportunities of and responsible use of generative AI by institutions. In doing so they have acknowledged that there are definitely benefits for institutions in utilising the various capabilities of generative AI.

But before an institution and/or its staff and students dive into the world of generative AI, be it from a teaching, learning and assessing perspective, or broader operational activities, it is absolutely imperative that informed understanding of what the intended uses are occurs first.

Know your intentions and gaps

• Know what your intentions are.
• Know what your capability gaps are.
• People skills, systems structure, data security settings, data recovery processes, breadth of utilisation, depth of utilisation, controls. Product integrity.
• Become as informed as the experts that you consult with.
• Take ownership of the implementation project.
• Ensure ownership and insight of the product(s) that you develop and/or licence.
• Establish oversight committees and reporting lines to allow clear and effective oversize and governance.

Think of it this way

You don't cook a mushroom risotto from forest and field fungi without knowing whether the produce is edible, how to prepare it, or how long it stays fresh. You also don't serve it to family and guests without knowing of any potential allergies or taste preferences.

You do your homework, creating a high level of understanding and control. Then you proceed, or not.

Generative AI is no different. Look, listen, and learn before you act.