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An Analysis of Engineering and Computing Students’ Attitudes to AI and Ethics

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

Engineering Ethics Division: Computing, Technology, and AI

Page Count

9

DOI

10.18260/1-2--41371

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/41371

Download Count

522

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Paper Authors

biography

Kerrie Hooper Florida International University

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Kerrie Hooper is currently an Engineering and Computing Education Ph.D. student at Florida International University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Guyana in 2019 and then worked for two years in the industry as a Data Analyst & Systems Administrator, before pursuing her doctoral degree. Her research interests are in AI ethics, responsible technology in education, women’s careers in computing, and arts-based approach to STEM education.

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biography

Trina Fletcher Florida International University

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Dr. Trina L. Fletcher is an Assistant Professor of Engineering and Computing Education and a Faculty Fellow for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Florida International University. Her research includes asset-based studies on women and people of color within STEM education and engineering and computing education at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Dr. Fletcher uses large-scale data sets to conduct research using mixed-methodologies focused her target populations. She is a 2022 NSF CAREER awardee for a project centered on developing a database using quantitative and qualitative longitudinal data on STEM professionals experiences beginning in K-12 to their current professional occupations. She is an elected steering committee member for EngineerGirl, the leading initiative for the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) to increase the number of girls going into engineering. Her awarded grants include NSF RFE, NSF RAPID focused on COVID-19, Department of Energy (DOE) NNSA MSI Partnership Program grant and several corporate and foundation grants. Prior to FIU, Dr. Fletcher worked in engineering and operations for two Fortune 500 companies and served as the Director of Pre-college Programs for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). 

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Abstract

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution continues to engage with the engineering and computing education world. A machine learning algorithm, or AI application itself, does not always cater to human ideals or ethical considerations. There is a need to be aware of this lack of contextual knowledge in order to design models accordingly. When considering our modern world and striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is essential to ensure that technology works for all. Even though there is an excitement for the advancement of AI, there is also a need to enhance our understanding and consideration of the ethical implications of AI to inform future generations and future AI technology. The education system has a significant role in molding the minds of future AI pioneers and engineers. Therefore, it is vital to understand the attitudes and beliefs of undergraduate and graduate students who will play a pivotal role in the ethical implications of AI advancements. This work-in-progress paper focuses on a survey analysis to examine engineering and computing students’ perspectives on ethics in AI before and after taking a course that includes AI and ethics within the syllabus. The following research questions will guide this study: What are the attitudes of engineering and computing students before and after taking a course that covers AI and ethics? In addition, how do their attitudes vary by demographics such as age, gender, and experience? Our goal is to present our current research and survey instrument to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) audience to receive insight and feedback before finalizing the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and distributing it on the target campus. This work-in-progress closes out with the next steps, future work, implications, and concluding thoughts.

Hooper, K., & Fletcher, T. (2022, August), An Analysis of Engineering and Computing Students’ Attitudes to AI and Ethics Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41371

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