A framework for ethical artificial intelligence adoption at a South African higher education institution

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education by presenting unique ethical challenges that require careful consideration for responsible integration. This study addresses the lack of a well-defined ethics framework in higher education, resulting in inconsistent policies and practices. This research aimed to develop a comprehensive ethics framework for AI use in higher education institutions (HEIs), guiding them in adopting ethical AI practices tailored to the educational sector’s specific context and challenges. The study’s objectives were to explore the ethical challenges of AI in higher education, create an AI ethics framework suited to higher education, and identify the essential components and conditions for the framework’s effective adoption in HEIs. A qualitative methodology was employed using an inductive approach to develop a theory, based on data collected through interviews. Thirteen participants were chosen to ensure diverse perspectives and provide in-depth insights into the ethical considerations of AI in higher education. This study focuses on staff members at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The research was expected to produce a well-grounded AI ethics framework that addresses key principles, such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. This framework offered guidelines for HEIs to integrate AI ethically, ensuring accountability, fairness, and security in AI applications. This study had limitations, including potential biases due to the interview reliance and the focus on a single institution, which may have affected the validity and generalisability of the findings. UWC granted ethical clearance, and participants were informed about the voluntary nature of their participation and their right to withdraw. This research aimed to fill a critical gap in current policies by providing HEIs with practical guidelines to adopt AI responsibly while balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Notably, elements of this research have been accepted for publication in the upcoming book Transforming Higher Education Through Artificial Intelligence: Innovations and Insights from the Global South.