Avoiding AI Harm (Coursera)

Unique Features of this Course

- Broadly applicable to audiences of any field

- Efficient yet effective overview of major ethical concerns

- Beginner friendly for those who want to get started using generative AI tools

- Practical tips for how to work with and develop AI tools more consciously

- Examples of real-world uses of AI which have raised ethical debate

Intended Audience

- Professionals looking for an introduction to AI Ethics

- Decision makers who may have to help write AI policies or determine how AI will be used at an institute

- Anyone curious about how we can use AI more responsibly

Note: It is helpful to have some fundamental knowledge about what AI is and how it works. This course is not intended as legal advice, we advise that learners seek expert ethical and legal guidance when writing policies or launching new AI projects .

Learning Objectives:

- Describe key ethical concerns for using AI tools

- Explain why AI should be thought of as a better computer, not a human replacement

- Discuss the potential benefits of being transparent about the use of AI tools

- Recognize real-world examples of AI usage that has resulted in ethical debate

- Explain the necessity for independent validation of AI models

- Identify possible mitigation strategies for major ethical concerns with regard to the algorithms underlying AI tools

- Describe practices that can help you to adhere to more responsible AI use and development

- Identify concepts and strategies for promoting social justice in AI use and development

- Discuss nuances involved with consent in the use of AI

- Describe a possible process for reflecting on ethical AI use and development

Syllabus

Introduction to Avoiding AI Harm

This course is intended to introduce some of the major ethical issues related to using and developing AI tools, as well as possible general mitigation strategies for those in decision making positions. It also introduces real-world examples of situations that revealed troubling ethical concerns. The course is not meant to replace legal or ethical counsel, but rather to introduce topics to help such discussions.