Use a technical, legal and ethical AI checklist

There is a wide variety of providers of AI applications, ranging from the well-known big tech companies to open-source communities. How can universities make use of these applications without losing their digital sovereignty (digital independence) in the process?

The task force recommends that when choosing a provider of AI applications, the universities use a checklist that includes considerations to safeguard an ethically, legally and technically responsible use of these applications. This checklist is not just a schedule of requirements, but a document that encourages critical evaluation.

The aim of the checklist (in Dutch) is to communicate the strategic positioning of VU Amsterdam and the UvA in respect of AI providers and to enable the UvA to make informed decisions about which AI applications to offer.

Encourage exploratory research into AI in education

So far, little research has been conducted into the opportunities and risks of AI in education. However, we know that students and staff are already using AI on a large scale. How can we capitalise on the opportunities AI can offer for education, without losing sight of the risks?

The task force advises the UvA and the VU to encourage research (including applied research) into AI in education. It is important to evaluate this research thoroughly and identify best practices that the institutions will then be able to apply more widely. Read the preconditions for exploratory research into generative and other types of AI in education (in Dutch).

Encourage AI literacy among lecturers and students

Due to the rapid rise of generative AI, and the resulting lack of research into its long-term effects, it is still unclear how we can use generative AI in education in a correct manner. The UvA and VU Amsterdam must be on their guard against ill-considered AI use. In any case, knowledge and skills are needed to work optimally with AI tools: ‘AI literacy’. How can we prepare students and staff properly for working with and thinking about AI?

The task force recommends starting by boosting AI literacy among lecturers. In this way, we enable them to make critical judgements about when exactly they do and do not allow AI in their teaching. Next, it is important that they are able to support their students in using AI in their field, in line with ethical values. The task force recommends that every lecturer and student be ‘AI literate’, even if they do not use AI themselves. Read the taskforce advice on AI literacy (in Dutch).