ChatEthics: Does teaching the ethical use of generative AI have an impact?

Can instruction, activities, and assignments help students understand concerns behind generative AI and how generative AI should be used ethically? This research focuses on whether highlighting ethical considerations has an impact on students’ awareness, perceptions, and behaviors. Using data collected through a survey of 52 students (administered after a course module covering issues with generative AI and the ethical use of AI) and observation of related activities and assignments, it explores students’ practices regarding generative AI, if students recognize ethical issues, and most importantly whether teaching the ethical use of AI creates more student awareness, understanding, a shift in behavior, and an impact. Findings show it’s possible to encourage the ethical use of AI but it’s not a cure-all, highlighting the importance of making course content and assignments relevant and helping students see value in honing their skills and being active agents in their learning journey.