The executive order issued by the White House on October 30 addresses the responsible deployment and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). Recognizing the dual nature of AI, which presents both significant opportunities and risks, the order emphasizes the need for cautious consideration.
Assistant professor David Silva from the School of Communication Research commended the administration’s attention to the potential challenges associated with AI and its commitment to supporting ongoing research and development in this field.
The executive order outlines a comprehensive framework for the implementation of AI, with implications for businesses utilizing AI technologies across various sectors. It specifically tasks the Secretary of Education with developing guidelines for integrating AI into educational practices and calls on the National Science Foundation to facilitate funding for AI-related initiatives.
Silva anticipates that the order could lead to increased funding for university programs incorporating AI into their curriculum, enhancing educational offerings in this domain.
Associate professor Cristin Compton from the School of Communication Studies highlighted President Joe Biden’s broad interpretation of AI within the order, expressing concerns that certain nuances regarding AI applications might be overlooked in the process.
While acknowledging the president’s efforts to address the potential impacts of AI proactively, Compton raised the issue of potential regulatory implications on technologies beyond traditional AI systems, such as ChatGPT and Google Bard, known for their extensive language capabilities and potential biases.
Compton emphasized that despite AI’s inherent biases, it can still play a pivotal role in expanding educational opportunities and facilitating new learning experiences for students.
The executive order mandates the National Science Foundation to devise strategies and best practices for integrating AI into educational settings, with a focus on enhancing financial prospects for students. Compton looks forward to the interpretation and implementation of these directives, given the broad scope outlined in the order.
