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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES(UWI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE(AI) POLICY GUIDLINES.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DEFINITION OF GENERATIVE AI
Generative Artificial Intelligence[artificial intelligence|Generative AI] refers to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that can create new content, such as text, images, music and other media, from prompts provided in a natural language, e.g., English. These tools are typically trained on large datasets, but their outputs are synthesised (not merely retrieved) and are, therefore, novel.
Generative AI tools respond to prompts normally given to humans, and apart from the creative works already mentioned, some are also capable of writing formal documents for businesses and professionals, generating functional code, suggesting plausible ideas for further exploration, analysing datasets, and extracting summaries and interesting patterns. As AI tools become more widespread, they will force significant changes to work-life and function, including the loss of certain types of work while creating others. The current generation of Generative AI tools are prone to making factual errors, known as hallucinations, and asserting them without indication of any uncertainty. They may also replicate the biases in the data on which they have been trained, which could give rise to injustice to certain classes of persons when they are applied broadly to society. However, in the hands of a knowledgeable user, Generative AI tools present an opportunity to tremendously boost productivity and inspire human creativity.
Given the disruptive capabilities of Generative AI tools and their wide availability, The UWI recognises an obligation to assess its operations and practices, particularly in teaching, learning, research, and administration. In particular, The UWI must ensure that its programmes remain relevant, its assessments remain valid, its research activities continue to push frontiers, its operations leverage available efficiencies, and ultimately its graduates are fully prepared to participate in a world immersed in AI (Generative and otherwise).
What is the university’s policy regarding generative A.I.?
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has issued a position statement on the integration and use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its operations, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, Gender Justice, Student-Centredness, and Financial Sustainability. The university acknowledges the significant potential of Generative AI to revolutionize education, research, and administrative functions by enhancing creativity, content creation, and innovation. The position statement serves as a foundational declaration for responsibly harnessing the capabilities of AI in line with UWI's mission and values, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped to use this technology beneficially.
Key Points from the Position Statement:
Definition and Scope:
- Generative AI is defined as AI tools capable of creating new content from natural language prompts. These tools are noted for their potential to both create new opportunities and disrupt existing structures by generating novel outputs that could replace certain types of work.
Responsible Use and Integration:
- UWI supports the responsible use of Generative AI in teaching, research, and administration, provided it aligns with the university’s strategic goals and core values.
Educational and Operational Adjustments:
- The university plans to update teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and referencing requirements to stay relevant in an AI-integrated world. This includes clear definitions of acceptable use of AI tools by staff and students and transparency in decision-making processes involving AI.
Research and Ethical Considerations
- UWI will ensure that research involving AI technology adheres to contemporary standards for Responsible AI, with adjustments to existing ethical policies to address potential biases and privacy issues.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
- AI systems at UWI will be developed and utilized with an emphasis on equity, inclusivity, and non-discrimination, including regular audits to ensure the fairness of these systems.
Data Privacy and Security:
- Existing data privacy and security policies will be extended to cover the use of AI systems, ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
Transparency and Accountability:
- The UWI commits to transparency in AI usage, especially in significant decision-making processes, and will implement mechanisms to mitigate the potential fallacies of AI tools.
Commitment to Continuous Update:
- Recognising the rapid development in the AI field, UWI commits to regularly updating its guidelines on AI usage to reflect best practices and technological advancements.
Understand the benefits:
Exploring the Advantages of AI in Education:
- Personalisation: AI enhances the educational experience by customising it to fit the unique needs of each student. Through adaptive learning technologies, it modifies the level of difficulty, suggests appropriate resources, and delivers precise feedback based on the learner's performance.
- Engagement: Utilising AI-driven tools such as simulations, chatbots, and virtual tutors, education becomes more dynamic and interactive. This not only keeps students engaged but also deepens their understanding and enhances critical thinking skills.
- 'Efficiency:' AI streamlines time-consuming tasks such as essay grading and answering routine questions, allowing educators to focus more on in-depth interactions and personalised teaching.
- Accessibility: AI facilitates inclusivity by enabling features like text-to-speech and closed captioning, making educational content accessible to students with disabilities, thereby supporting a diverse learning environment.
GUIDANCE FOR INSTRUCTORS
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES(UWI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLGENCE(AI) POLICY GUIDANCE FOR INSTRUCTORS WIKI [[1]]
GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES(UWI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLGENCE(AI) POLICY GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS WIKI [[2]]
GUIDANCE FOR RESEARCHERS
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES(UWI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLGENCE(AI) POLICY GUIDANCE FOR RESEARCHERS WIKI [[3]]
