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WASP-HS Community Reference Meetings (CRMs) are meeting places for Swedish private and public organisations and WASP-HS researchers. Each meeting has a specially selected theme with the aim of bringing business and research together to expand knowledge and strengthen collaboration. This particular Community Reference Meeting regards the challenges and opportunities of AI concerning education and children.
AI is becoming increasingly more present in our everyday lives, and this is especially true for children. From virtual assistants to educational games, AI is changing the way children learn and interact with the world. Personalized learning, improved access to education, and new ways of engaging students are just a few of the potential benefits of AI in education. However, as with any new technology, there are also concerns about the potential negative effects of AI on children and education. From ethical concerns to the potential for fair access to technology, the exacerbating of existing inequalities, the impact of machine learning applications on the development of critical thinking skills, there are several issues that must be considered as we integrate AI into children’s lives.
In this CRM, we will be discussing the latest research and developments in the field, as well as exploring the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into our education system and how it impacts children. We look forward to an enlightening and engaging discussion.
Please note that the whole event takes place online via Zoom and is held in English.
13:00 – Introduction by Virginia Dignum, WASP-HS Program Director and Professor in Responsible AI at Umeå University
13:10-13:30 – Keynote and Q&A
Keynote title: Highlights from Generation AI Project
Keynote: Teemu Roos, Professor, University of Helsinki, Leader of the AI Education Program at the Finnish Center for AI
Keynote abstract: The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its progressively wider impact on many sectors requires an assessment of its effect on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Using a consensus-based expert elicitation process, we find that AI can enable the accomplishment of 134 targets across all the goals, but it may also inhibit 59 targets. However, current research foci overlook important aspects. The fast development of AI needs to be supported by the necessary regulatory insight and oversight for AI-based technologies to enable sustainable development. Failure to do so could result in gaps in transparency, safety, and ethical standards.
13:30-15:00 – Roundtable discussions
How Can We Ensure Algorithmic Fairness to Protect Children?
Chair: Johan Lundin, Professor of Informatics, Department of Applied Information Technology, Gothenburg University
Co-Chair: Marisa Ponti, Associate Professor of Informatics, Department Applied Information Technology, Gothenburg University
Abstract How can we protect children from algorithmic unfairness in education? How can their perspectives be amplified? The purpose of this roundtable is to discuss the effects of machine learning in education that affects the most vulnerable members of our society. We invite academics and practitioners to discuss how to support the fair use of artificial intelligence in education, which goes beyond technological solutions by including social and cultural solutions in the design process.
Growing Up Together: Children and Artificial Intelligence
Chair: Karin Danielsson, Associate Professor, Department of Informatics, Director of Humlab at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Umeå University
Co-Chair: More information soon…
Abstract For some time now, our children have grown up in close relationship to different technologies, from home computers, word processors, smartphones, digital games, to social media and wearable technologies. Common for the previous technologies is that the interaction possibilities have been pre-designed. Whereas today, children grow up with another form of interaction, where a system can learn by input and act as an artificial companion. How will this impact children? Will our interaction with AI technology change the way we express and understand emotions and interact with other social beings? What expectations of possibilities in the school settings and education, will the children’s technology usage at home bring with? What expectations might children have in AI- or robot-assisted education? This round table will discuss these issues by bringing together researchers and practitioners from social sciences, humanities, education, and design.
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Who Is Being Left Behind?
Chair: Cormac McGrath, Senior Lecturer, Departement of Education, Stockholm University
Co-Chair: Linnéa Stenliden, Associate Professor at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University
Abstract Hitherto, artificial intelligence applications in education settings have been amorphous and much hyped, but lacking in substance as a force of disruption to educational practices. However, the recent launch of ChatGPT asks us to consider the implications artificial intelligence tools and systems will have on the education sector, both for teachers but also students and pupils. Moreover, the introduction of AI technologies in classrooms raises concerns related to school teachers’ and educators’ understanding of how these technologies work in theory and practice and presents a number of critical questions: Will such tools lead to increased plagiarism, and will they lead to radical changes in teacher practices. How might such tools be used as a catalyst for development processes across a range of educational sectors? Will tech savvy students benefit more from such tools, at the expense of students who lack data and AI literacy, and what challenges do such technologies present to teachers who are not AI literate?
The focus of this CRM meeting is to consider the role of AIED applications, like, for example ChatGPT and to consider how they might be used in the education sector.
15:00-15:30 – Reflections from the roundtables
Registration is closed. All registered will recieve an e-mail with more information closer to the event.
