The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), a software industry trade group, has released its Principles for the Future of AI in Education.
SIAA described its latest publication as a “framework intended to guide the ed tech industry’s implementation of artificial intelligence in a purpose-driven, transparent, and equitable manner that enables critical tools for personalized and enhanced learning experiences and improved assistive technologies.”
The seven principles highlighted in the framework are:
- AI technologies in education should address the needs of learners, educators, and families.
- AI technologies used in education should account for educational equity, inclusion, and civil rights as key elements of successful learning environments.
- AI technologies used in education must protect student privacy and data.
- AI technologies used in education should strive for transparency to enable the school community to effectively understand and engage with the AI tools.
- Companies building AI tools for education should engage with education institutions and stakeholders to explain and demystify the opportunities and risks of new AI technologies.
- The education technology industry should work with the greater education community to identify ways to support AI literacy for students and educators.
- Education technology companies and AI developers should adopt best practices for accountability, assurance, and ethics, calibrated to mitigate risks and achieve the goals of these principles.
“With AI being used by many teachers and educational institutions, we determined it was critical to work with the education technology industry to develop a set of principles to guide the future development and deployment of these innovative technologies,” said Chris Mohr, president of SIIA. “Partnering with teachers, parents, and students will be critical to improving educational outcomes, protecting privacy and civil rights, and understanding of these technologies. I commend our member companies who embraced this initiative to collaborate and for their commitment to support our children and teachers.”
SIAA noted in a press release that the principles were developed by the SIIA AI in Education Steering Committee, which includes representatives from AllHere, ClassDojo, Cengage, D2L, EdWeb.net, GoGuardian, InnovateEDU, Instructure, MIND Education, McGraw Hill, and Pearson.
“AI and kids’ privacy have dominated the conversation in Congress and in the states this year,” said Sara Kloek, vice president of education and children’s policy at SIIA. “As the trade organization representing the leading companies in ed tech, it is our mission to advance the responsible use of AI to enhance a learner’s educational experience while at the same time protecting their privacy, promoting educational equity, upholding civil rights, and developing important skills for the future.”
