Which Way Ethics; Onboarding Artificial Intelligence

In this journey of reflection, I am honored to share my experience with you, amidst the backdrop of a captivating competition that has brought together many students from diverse backgrounds came an opportunity to learn, relearn and discover. The course's teaching approach was both enlightening and engaging. Lecturers like, Prof. Mzee, Dr Maake, Dr Chweya adopted a collaborative and interactive style, fostering open dialogue and critical thinking I believe I have never been so free to actually learn and question. It was like I was a student and at the same time I was a teacher, a fact that empowered me and gave me confidence.

Ethical Artificial Intelligence (EAI) was not a one-dimension course, it was linked to Law, Psychology, Sociology and many other disciplines coalescing to ensure a descent curriculum. This interdisciplinary approach enabled me to appreciate the complexity of ethical issues in AI and the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to address them effectively. Legal perspective of various moral questions was interestingly enlightening on us, as we discovered many simple things that appear juvenile but have the potential of landing you in legal trouble as an AI engineer. This holistic approach not only broadened our understanding of ethical considerations but also underscored the interconnectedness of various disciplines in shaping responsible AI practices. The course provided a comprehensive overview of ethical principles and frameworks relevant to AI development, helping me to understand the ethical considerations inherent in designing, implementing, and deploying AI systems. Through in-depth discussions and case studies, I gained insights into issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and societal impact, enabling me to identify and address ethical challenges in AI applications.

Moreover, the course facilitated critical reflections on the ethical implications of emerging technologies, encouraging me to think critically about the ethical dilemmas posed by AI advancements. By grappling with complex ethical scenarios and engaging in ethical decision-making exercises, I developed a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities of technologists and the importance of ethical considerations in AI design and implementation.

In our innovative project on livestock disease prediction, we sought to empower farmers with a tool that was both intuitive and invaluable yet within the principles of AI. Picture this: farmers capturing their observations of animal symptoms into our system, and with the grace of AI, receiving accurate predictions of potential diseases. This was an integration of innovation and compassion to support livestock farmers. We ensured transparency in our model's decision-making process, allowing farmers to understand how predictions were generated and empowering them to make informed decisions. We also incorporated safeguards to prevent algorithmic bias and ensure fairness and equity in our predictions. The EAI course has equipped me with invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and ethics. I learned that ethical decision-making in AI requires a nuanced understanding of societal values and a commitment to upholding human rights.

The course emphasized on fostering critical thinking and open dialogue. Throughout the sessions, students were encouraged to question assumptions, challenge prevailing viewpoints, and engage in respectful debates. This approach not only deepened our understanding of ethical issues but also honed our ability to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives. By cultivating a culture of intellectual curiosity and discourse, the course empowered students to become thoughtful and responsible AI practitioners, equipped to navigate the ethical complexities of the digital age. The promise of awards for project winners served as a powerful incentive, driving me to work diligently towards creating ethically sound AI solutions.

Moving forward, I believe there is room for improvement in integrating real-world case studies and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to enrich the learning experience further. Integrating more real-world case studies would provide students with practical insights into navigating ethical dilemmas in AI development. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among students from various disciplines could offer diverse perspectives and enrich discussions on ethical considerations.

To this end, mine is challenge us all to embrace the ethical imperative inherent in AI development. Together, let us navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology with integrity, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.

I am looking forward to transferring the skills learnt in this course in my class and final year projects, and at future work place.

William Nyagaka (BSc Computer Science Student, Email: dciwilliam49@gmail.com