Amman:The Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission took part in a workshop in Amman, supported by the British Council, focusing on the critical and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic research, scientific publishing, and higher education.
According to Jordan News Agency, the workshop, titled "Critical and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Research," gathered academics, researchers, and institutional leaders to discuss responsible AI practices. The event was led by Sean Morrissey and Professor Fiona Smart from the University of Strathclyde, who delved into AI applications across various stages of the research process, including idea development, study design, data collection and analysis, research paper writing, findings publication, and research impact assessment.
Participants engaged in discussions about international guidelines from academic journals, publishers, professional bodies, and higher education institutions regarding AI use in research. Key topics included personal data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, algorithmic bias, and academic plagiarism. Emphasis was placed on transparency in disclosing AI use, verifying AI-generated content, and ensuring human oversight.
Ali Daradkeh, Head of the Commission's E-Learning Division, presented the Commission's e-learning strategy and proposed changes related to online and blended learning. He discussed AI's potential to enhance digital education through automated assessment tools, learning analytics, and more interactive and personalized learning experiences. Daradkeh also highlighted the risks AI poses to academic integrity and privacy, cautioning that excessive reliance on AI could undermine critical thinking skills. He stressed the necessity of human review to maintain the accuracy and quality of AI-generated outputs.