A Conceptual Framework for the Ethical Integration of AI into ODeL in the Global South

Joseph Evans Agolla; Phineas Sebopelo

Authors

Joseph Evans Agolla Botswana Open University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7100-5090
Phineas Sebopelo Botswana Open University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9594-778X

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Open Distance Learning, Global South, Higher Education

Abstract

The study developed a model for understanding of ethical integration of AI in ODeL from the literature. The synthesis and literature reviews highlight concerns about academic integrity, the delivery of high-quality instruction, data privacy, accessibility, technological disparities, the absence of a legal framework, and the marginalisation of rural populations. Moreover, the lack of necessities like affordable healthcare, universal education, and infrastructure in most Global South nations exacerbates these challenges and hampers their ability to invest in technology. The present study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by extending the literature on GAI and presents a conceptual framework for ethical integration in ODeL. Lastly, the paper offers practical implications for both researchers and practitioners in the field of GAI in ODeL.

Résumé : L’étude a développé un modèle pour comprendre l’intégration éthique de l’IA dans l’ODeL à partir de la littérature. La synthèse et les revues de littérature mettent en évidence les préoccupations relatives à l’intégrité académique, à la prestation d’un enseignement de qualité, à la confidentialité des données, à l’accessibilité, aux disparités technologiques, à l’absence de cadre juridique et à la marginalisation des populations rurales. De plus, le manque de nécessités telles que des soins de santé abordables, une éducation universelle et des infrastructures dans la plupart des pays du Sud exacerbe ces défis et entrave leur capacité à investir dans la technologie. La présente étude apporte une contribution significative à la littérature existante en élargissant les recherches sur l'IA générative (GAI) et propose un cadre conceptuel pour une intégration éthique dans l'apprentissage ouvert et à distance (ODeL). Enfin, l'article offre des implications pratiques tant pour les chercheurs que pour les praticiens dans le domaine de l'IA générative en ODeL.

Mots-clés : Intelligence artificielle ; Enseignement à distance ouvert ; Sud ; Enseignement supérieur

Author Biography

Phineas Sebopelo, Botswana Open University

Dr Sebopelo is a Director -Quality Assurance at the Botswana Open University.

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