Syria Joins Virtual Ministerial Meeting on Ethics of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education

Syria participated in a virtual ministerial round table meeting organized by UNESCO to discuss the normative framework for the ethics of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in education. Ministers and officials from 17 countries, including Cameroon, Ireland, China, and Canada, joined the discussion, emphasizing the need for accurate and appropriate content in AI-based education.

Importance of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has become an essential tool in the field of education, allowing learners to access educational resources and simulations that mimic human capabilities. During the virtual ministerial round table meeting organized by UNESCO, Minister of Education, Darem Tabbaa, highlighted the necessity of developing GAI services that facilitate continuous scientific simulation for learners. By creating a homogeneous human-technological environment, GAI can contribute to the desired development of individuals while preserving a sound social structure.

Challenges and Limitations of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Despite its potential benefits, generative artificial intelligence in education presents certain challenges and limitations. Minister Tabbaa acknowledged that the content produced by GAI is not always accurate or appropriate as it has limitations in capturing the full truth. The reliance on limited data sources and algorithms may lead to biased or incomplete information being presented to learners. To address these issues, the Ministry of Education in Syria has launched an educational search engine powered by GAI, aiming to provide learners with secure and reliable knowledge and skills.

As technology advances, it becomes crucial to establish an ethical framework for the use of GAI in education. The virtual ministerial round table meeting organized by UNESCO brought together representatives from 18 countries, including Syria, to discuss the normative framework for the ethics of GAI in education. The participation of Syria in this meeting demonstrates the global recognition of the importance of addressing the ethical implications of AI in education.

During the meeting, Minister of Education, Darem Tabbaa, emphasized the necessity of GAI in education. He argued that GAI offers learners the opportunity to engage in continuous scientific simulation, enabling them to develop their capabilities in a human-like manner. By providing a homogenous human-technological environment, GAI can create an optimal learning experience that aligns with the desired development goals.

However, Tabbaa also acknowledged the challenges associated with GAI in education. One major concern is the accuracy and appropriateness of the content generated by GAI systems. Due to its limited understanding of truth, GAI may produce inaccurate or inappropriate information. This can pose risks to learners who rely on GAI-powered platforms for their educational needs.

To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Education in Syria took an innovative approach by launching an educational search engine driven by GAI. This search engine aims to provide learners with secure and reliable access to appropriate knowledge and skills. By curating content that meets the required standards, Syria seeks to overcome the limitations of GAI and ensure learners receive accurate and relevant information.

The virtual ministerial round table meeting served as a platform for countries to share their experiences and insights regarding the ethics of GAI in education. Representatives from diverse countries, including Cameroon, Mali, China, and Canada, highlighted the need for robust ethical guidelines to govern the use of GAI in educational settings. They stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to ensure that GAI serves the best interests of learners.

Moving forward, the discussions and outcomes of this meeting will contribute to the development of a normative framework for the ethics of GAI in education. By establishing clear guidelines, policymakers and educational institutions can harness the potential of GAI while mitigating its risks. It is essential to strike a balance between technological advancements and the preservation of human values and ethics in education.

In conclusion, the virtual ministerial round table meeting organized by UNESCO marked an important step toward addressing the ethics of GAI in education. The participation of Syria and other countries showcased their commitment to exploring the potential of GAI while emphasizing the need for accuracy, appropriateness, and ethical considerations. By fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices, stakeholders can shape a future where GAI enhances education in a responsible and inclusive manner.