By Dr. Nadeem Ahmad Malik
(Director DITS PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the current modern education. It is transforming education for both teachers and students through the use of virtual assistants, quick grading systems, online learning soft wares, and plagiarism detection. Students are the foundation of the education system and Students’ rights must be protected. Modern AI technologies have numerous advantages, but their use without ethical policies can seriously threaten academic transparency, justice, and privacy. The issue is not whether or not to use AI, but rather how to do it safely and successfully.
AI systems collect a lot of information about students, such as their writing style, attendance, results, study habits, and even their facial expressions. A student’s future may suffer if this information is abused, revealed, or unfairly assessed. No student should be considering as weak or incapable and surreptitiously profiled, such decisions must be made by human teacher or academic committee not by machine.
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In the era of AI, educators should also be protected. Instead of monitoring or controlling instruction, technology should enhance it. AI cannot be used to record lectures without permission, spy on classrooms, or evaluate teachers using unreported performance indicators. Teaching is a human and creative vocation that relies on professional judgment, empathy, and trust. Education becomes unfair and mechanistic when algorithms begin to take the place of fundamental values. “AI should make teachers stronger, not replace them”.
Transparency is also necessary for ethical AI. Teachers and students have a right to know how choices are made, what data is gathered, and when AI is employed. If AI system or plagiarism software flags a student’s assignment, the student must be offered the supporting documentation and given an opportunity to clarify. No one should be punished by an unquestionable, “black box” system.
However, when applied correctly, AI can be a very useful tool. By managing repetitive chores, it can help kids write better, support students with disabilities, customize instruction, and save teachers time. It can help students who require additional support before they disappoint and fall behind. These are beneficial applications, but only as long as control by reliable and expert people.
Educational professionals and experts must develop clear standards and policies on AI for academic integrity. Students should have access to AI for research, and linguistic support. However, using AI to cheat on assignments and tests must be strictly prohibited and penalized. Such negative activities must be included in academic policies for student awareness, as they should aware of the consequences of using AI negatively. Honesty and transparency should be the keystones of these policies.
The AI in education should be used to maintain balance for both teachers and students. Technology must help people, not replace them. The future of society can be shaped by education and this can be achieved by using AI effectively and ethically. AI can improve education and support in building nations when applied properly.
The government and authorities must launch training programs for teachers and parents so they can use ethical AI in the classroom with a clear understanding of these systems, their limitations and how they work. The training sessions should also be arranged for parents as they too must be aware that AI is applied ethically in their children’s education. This will give more trust to parents that their child’s education is in safe hand and hence education will promote.
Students should also use AI tools for solving problems and things that are difficult to understand. Some concepts are complex and require more explanations, using AI tools and assistance they can easily and quickly learn things. Instead of using shortcuts or ways to cheat, these technologies should only be used to enhance learning, such as grasping concepts, creative skills, and strengthening critical thinking.
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