Lesson 1. Ethics and safety in AI-supported education

Reflection task: AI use in your own context

Think about one AI tool that you, your colleagues or your organisation already use or might use soon. Write short answers to the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of using this AI tool?
2. Who could benefit from it?
3. Who could be negatively affected if the tool gives inaccurate or unfair results?
4. What type of data would be entered into the tool?
5. Who should check the AI output before it is used?

After answering, review your responses

Use your answers to decide whether the AI use case is:

– LOW RISK. The tool is used for general support. No personal or sensitive learner data is entered and a human checks the output.
– NEEDS CAUTION. The tool may involve learner data, influence feedback or communication or affect how learners are supported.
– HIGH RISK. The tool may influence assessment, access to learning opportunities, learner profiling, or important decisions about learners.

What to do next

If your use case is low risk, think about what simple safeguards are still needed, such as checking the output or avoiding personal data.

If it needs caution, identify at least two safeguards before using the tool. For example: anonymise learner information, check the output manually, inform learners or ask for organisational approval.

If it seems high-risk, do not use the tool independently. It should be discussed with your organisation and checked against institutional policy, GDPR requirements, and relevant EU AI rules.