Exploring the Role of Higher Education in Responsible Deployment of Artificial Intelligence

Authors

Shahin VassighFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Higher Education

First Advisor's Name

Benjamin Baez

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Daniel Saunders

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

James Burns

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Masoud Sajadi

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Ethical Responsibility

Date of Defense

9-30-2021

Abstract

Higher education is the key driver for the teaching, research, and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as it bears responsibility for preparing engineers, scientists, technologists, and corporate leaders who shape and fuel its revolutionary advances. With AI and automation technologies relying on more advanced levels of training, and universities serving as the prime site for their development, faculty views on the implications of this technology are critically important.

The purpose of this case study was to gain insights into how academics and disciplinary experts perceive their roles and responsibilities in the teaching, development, and deployment of AI. Using FIU as a case study provided a base for a contextual understanding of the complex issues surrounding AI from the perspective of key actors at a large public university. In conducting the study, 16 faculty from a range of disciplines were interviewed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The data from the interviews were examined to identify the connectedness of ideas and develop themes to classify distinct concepts.

The study found that while participants were optimistic about the transformative possibilities of AI for improving human life, they were concerned about its implications. They stressed the intensification of many social challenges by AI, including gender and racial bias in class, gender and race in automated decision-making systems, its negative impact on social media, the use of AI for manipulation of the public, and deceptive practices of internet corporations. The participants also discussed the economic impacts of AI on job markets, particularly the potential for massive job loss, as well as the role of government and higher education in mitigating the adverse impacts of AI through education and appropriate research policies.

The findings of this study provide insights into the challenges of a changing society because of AI and how higher education can mitigate its impact. These findings provide a basis for improving organizational policies and practices in response to the imminent technological changes. They also inform educational and research policy formulation to promote social change.

Identifier

FIDC010415

Recommended Citation

Vassigh, Shahin, "Exploring the Role of Higher Education in Responsible Deployment of Artificial Intelligence" (2021). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4901.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4901