The conscious and ethical use of artificial intelligence tools in education

Abstract

Abstract. Higher education is undergoing a digital transformation, and AI technologies are at the forefront of this change. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been increasingly adopted in educational settings, offering new opportunities to enhance teaching and learning. The emergence of generative AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT has accelerated this trend, providing benefits such as personalized learning support, increased student engagement, collaboration, and improved accessibility [1,2]. AI systems can automate repetitive tasks and assist with data analysis and content generation, making educational processes more efficient. However, these advantages come with significant ethical challenges. The growing use of AI in academia has raised concerns about academic integrity, as AI-generated content may facilitate plagiarism, contract cheating, or other forms of dishonest behavior [2]. The release of ChatGPT in late 2022, for example, sparked immediate discussions about academic honesty in universities. Students could potentially use such tools to complete assignments unfairly, prompting many institutions to react by highlighting the risks to academic integrity and exploring preventive measures. Early responses from universities and educators have often focused on the threat of “AI-giarism” (AI-assisted plagiarism) and the need to adapt assessment methods to discourage misuse of AI [3]. Indeed, academic integrity is a cornerstone of educational quality, embodying values of honesty, trust, and ethical behavior. The challenge posed by AI to maintaining this integrity has become a key issue, underscoring the importance of developing strategies that uphold the credibility of academic qualifications [4]. Beyond cheating, educators also worry that over-reliance on AI could erode students’ critical thinking and writing skills, and that generative AI tools might produce inaccurate or biased information with unwarranted authority [4]. These factors make conscious oversight and guidance essential when employing AI tools in educational contexts.