Ethical Standards Framework for working with generative AI

Questions to ask and issues to consider when working with generative AI to
ensure that your use and handling is ethical. It’s all about TRUST.

T – Transparency & Disclosure

Question: Are the use and capabilities of AI tools fully disclosed to students/patrons, and are
they aware of how their data will be used and protected?
Issues to Consider: Ensure transparency by informing students/patrons about how AI will be
used in their coursework & interactions, what data will be collected, and how it will be utilized.
Obtain explicit consent for their data usage and provide options to opt-out where possible.

R – Reason & Necessity
Question: Is our use of AI necessary for achieving the educational/nonprofit objectives, and
does it enhance the learning or community experience in a meaningful way?
Issues to Consider: Evaluate whether the AI tool adds genuine value to the process or if
traditional methods might be more appropriate. Ensure that the primary purpose is to support
learning & community experience outcomes, not merely to replace essential activities.

U – Uniqueness & Integrity
Question: Are there mechanisms in place to ensure that the work produced by students & staff
is uniquely their own and that AI is not being used to bypass originality or compromise integrity?
Issues to Consider: Design assessments that require critical thinking and originality. Develop an
AI policy that balances ideation with accountability. Encourage users to reflect on and explain their
use of AI, ensuring that their submissions and posts reflect their own understanding and effort.

S – Safeguards & Equity
Question: Does our use of AI promote fairness and equity among all students and patrons, and
does it provide equal access to resources and opportunities for all?
Issues to Consider: Assess whether the AI tool provides equal opportunities for all students &
patrons, regardless of their background or access to technology. Implement measures to support
those who may not have the same level of access or familiarity with AI tools, and watch for bias.

T – Tenets of Compliance
Question: Does our use of AI comply with ethical guidelines, institutional or organizational
policies, and relevant legal standards regarding data privacy, intellectual property, and fairness?
Issues to Consider: Ensure that the AI tools comply with data protection regulations such as
GDPR, FERPA, &/or other relevant laws. Respect intellectual property rights and address any
biases that the AI tool might introduce and mitigate against them.

Copyright © 2024 David J. Swisher, All rights reserved.
Prepared for the AI Fusion Conference (co-sponsored by Indiana Wesleyan University
& Blaizing Academy) & shared under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND license.

This entry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.