Seoul Takes Legislative Steps Towards Effective AI Integration in Education

Seoul Embraces AI in Education with Groundbreaking Ordinance

In a pioneering move, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced plans for legislation aimed at ensuring the responsible and efficient use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. This legislation serves as the first of its kind in addressing the use of AI in the educational sector.

The proposed ‘Seoul Special City Education Support Ordinance for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence’ spearheaded by Seong Heum-je, a member of the People Power Party in Seoul, was publicly notified on April 4th. The initiator stressed the importance of adopting generative AI, already prevalent among the youth, and advocated for a formal approach in its integration to harness its benefits and mitigate potential misuses.

The initiative places a responsibility on the Seoul Superintendent of Education to devise strategies and support mechanisms for the effective use of generative AI within the educational realm. Potential implementations include pilot projects, educational programs, and the strengthening of teachers’ and students’ abilities to make the most of AI.

Emphasizing the need to preempt adverse effects, the ordinance calls for measures to educate both students and teachers. The educational leaders are tasked with informing and equipping learners to critically assess both the advantages and drawbacks of AI, preventing its reckless application.

Educators are also mandated to receive training to interpret AI-generated outcomes responsibly. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of educating all parties involved on issues like intellectual property infringement, the creation of false or manipulated information, slander, and to address the risks of dependency and misuse of AI.

The proposed legislation encompasses a series of foundational principles, including the equal provision of educational opportunities involving AI, supporting users in responsibly balancing the potential benefits and downsides of AI, and positioning it as an adjunct to traditional teaching methods, rather than a replacement.

With broad consensus on its importance among council members and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, the ordinance is expected to pass smoothly. Preemptive steps, such as the ‘AI Era Empathy-Based Discussion Class’ for teachers, have already been taken by the education authority, signaling Seoul’s readiness for an AI-integrated educational landscape.

Key Questions and Answers:

Q: What is the purpose of the ‘Seoul Special City Education Support Ordinance for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence’?
A: The ordinance aims to ensure the responsible and efficient use of generative AI in educational settings, to harness its benefits, and to mitigate potential misuses.

Q: What responsibilities does the ordinance assign to the Seoul Superintendent of Education?
A: The Seoul Superintendent of Education is tasked with devising strategies and support mechanisms for the effective use of AI in education, which includes conducting pilot projects, educational programs, and enhancing the abilities of teachers and students.

Q: What issues does the ordinance specifically address?
A: The ordinance addresses the need to educate both students and teachers on the advantages and risks of AI, including intellectual property infringement, the creation of false or manipulated information, slander, and the risks of dependency and misuse of AI.

Q: Does the ordinance view AI as a replacement for traditional teaching methods?
A: No, the ordinance positions AI as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, traditional teaching methods, emphasizing a balanced and responsible approach to integrating AI into education.

Key Challenges and Controversies:

Technological Literacy: Ensuring students and educators are sufficiently literate in technology to effectively utilize AI tools presents a significant challenge.

Ethical Concerns: The use of AI in education raises ethical concerns, including data privacy, the impact on student autonomy, and the potential for exacerbating inequalities if access to AI resources is uneven.

Job Displacement: There is controversy over the potential for AI to displace education professionals, underscoring the importance of framing AI as a complementary tool rather than a substitute.

Advantages:

Personalization: AI can personalize learning experiences to individual student needs, potentially improving engagement and outcomes.

Efficiency: AI can handle administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on bureaucracy.

Accessibility: AI-powered tools can make education more accessible, breaking down barriers for students with disabilities or those who are geographically isolated.

Disadvantages:

Resource Allocation: Integrating AI effectively may require substantial investments, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of resources.

Dependence on Technology: Overreliance on AI could lead to a degradation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills if not carefully managed.

Data Security: Using AI platforms often involves collecting and analyzing large amounts of data, creating significant privacy and security concerns.

For additional information related to the field of artificial intelligence in education, you may find the following resources helpful:
UNESCO
OECD

Please ensure the continued validity of these URLs, as the content might be updated or changed after the knowledge cutoff date.

The source of the article is from the blog krama.net

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