US Education Department Issues Guide for Safe and Effective AI in Academia

The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued a new guide to help stakeholders and developers create safe and effective AI solutions for academic settings. 

The guidance builds on the Department’s 2023 AI Report and responds to President Joe Biden’s October 2023 AI Executive Order.

“This guide provides non-regulatory, education-specific guidance that is aligned with federal guidelines and guardrails. This guide’s coverage of existing federal guidelines and guardrails is not comprehensive or exhaustive. It is not intended to and does not enable a developer to establish its compliance with regulations. Also, it is not intended to and does not introduce any new requirements,” the guidance reads.

It highlights five key areas for AI and machine learning developers to consider:

1. Designing for teaching and learning

2. Providing evidence of rationale and impact

3. Advancing equity and protecting civil rights

4. Ensuring safety and security

5. Promoting transparency and trust

Earlier this year, the department also released another guide that aims to assist in the development of new educational technologies leveraging artificial intelligence AI.

The 49-page guide, "Designing for Education with Artificial Intelligence: An Essential Guide for Developers," also outlines five primary recommendations covering product design, evidence provision, equity and civil rights advancement, safety and security assurance, and the promotion of transparency to build trust.