Artificial intelligence for the common good in educational ecosystems

Human ecosystems are affected and developed by human actions. AI places new demands on all parts and partners of the education system, hence we must be aware of the influence of different parts on the system. AI can become a common good, but this first requires urgent discussion between different partners on how power, rights, responsibilities, control, regulations and resources are negotiated and agreed upon in the system. AI must not increase inequalities and narrow knowledge. To avoid this, new governance is needed at global and local policy levels, and new analysis and design of curricula are required from the perspective of lifelong learning and values. AI learning environments also elicit questions on how human learners and communities will gain learning agency when machines are also learning. This sets new challenges to pedagogy. AI can serve as a powerful tool but it should be situated in a wider educational context to aim for sustainability and inclusive human and social development. sustainability and inclusive human and social development.

Read more from Professor Hannele Niemi’s article:
Niemi, H. (2020). Artificial intelligence for the common good in educational ecosystems. Humanistic futures of learning: Perspectives from UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks (Sivut 148-152). Ediciones UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000372577