GA Advice: How Tech Workers Can Practice Responsible AI

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Tips from VP of Impact and Experience, Dr. Jeffrey Bergin 

About Dr. Jeffery Bergin

Dr. Jeff Bergin, Vice President of Learning and Experience at General Assembly, specializes in accelerated technical training for career and workforce readiness, including ethical AI use. Dr. Bergin has a strong background in learner-centered pedagogies and online learning design and is the editor of the recently published book, “Supporting Self-Regulated Learning and Student Success in Online Courses.” Dr. Bergin has also held leadership roles at Universal Technical Institute, Macmillan Learning, and Pearson and has published and presented on various online learning topics.

How Tech Workers Can Practice Responsible AI

As technology continues to disrupt how we approach work, practicing responsible AI is paramount.

Here are 5 key steps from Dr. Jeff to ensure you’re contributing ethically to the AI landscape:

5 Tips to Practice Responsible AI

1. Be Cautious and Compliant

  • Understand Policies: Familiarize yourself with your organization’s policies on AI system use.
  • Mindful Data Sharing: Be cautious about the data you input into AI prompts.
  • Transparency is Key: Inform colleagues and supervisors about your involvement with AI.
  • Regular Testing: Frequently test AI systems to ensure accuracy.
  • Comply with Laws: Adhere to data protection laws, privacy regulations, and ethical guidelines.

2. Be Part of a Community of Practice

  • Human-Driven AI: Ensure AI use is people-driven, not fully automated.
  • Diverse Teams: Form diverse teams for varied perspectives in use cases.
  • Engage Experts: Encourage your organization to seek expert advice on responsible use.
  • Consider Impacts: Always weigh the implications on individuals and society.

3. Design for Ethics

  • Focus on People: Establish an ethics governance committee for regular AI project reviews.
  • Collaborate Widely: Engage with stakeholders and experts for diverse perspectives.
  • Continuous Education: Keep your development team educated on ethical considerations.

4. Be Proactive

  • Ethics from the Start: Integrate ethics into AI development from the initial stages.
  • Prioritize User Ethics: Make user ethics and privacy core requirements in development.
  • Transparency Matters: Document how ethical considerations are woven into the technology’s design.
  • Regular Audits: Conduct periodic audits during AI development to address ethical risks and biases.

5. Stay Informed

  • Media Awareness: Keep an eye on emerging trends through blogs, podcasts, and social media.
  • Engage Professionally: Join professional communities, attend relevant conferences, and explore research papers.
  • Training Courses: Enroll in AI training courses to stay updated on best practices.

Building an AI-Ethical Future

In conclusion, practicing responsible AI means striking a balance between innovation and ethical considerations. Be cautious, stay connected, design with ethics in mind, and always prioritize people. Continuous education and staying informed are key to navigating the evolving landscape of responsible AI. Together, we can shape a responsible and ethical AI future.

Learn more by registering for our upcoming Generative AI Workshop. And don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more advice from GA experts.