However progressive we like to think we are, our society still has a massive problem with gender bias. Chatbots hold a mirror up to the data we train them on, and the society that created that data. And, of course, it's not just gender bias we can find in these chatbots.
Author: Dr Linda McIver
Dr Linda McIver pioneered authentic Data Science and Computational Science education with real impact for secondary students and founded the Australian Data Science Education Institute in 2018. Author of Raising Heretics: Teaching Kids to Change the World, Linda is an inspiring keynote speaker who has appeared on the ABC’s panel program Q&A, and regularly delivers engaging Professional Development for Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Educators across all disciplines. A passionate educator, researcher and advocate for STEM, equity and inclusion, with a PhD in Computer Science Education and extensive teaching experience, Linda’s mission is to ensure that all Australian students have the opportunity to learn STEM and Data Science skills in the context of projects that empower them to solve problems and make a positive difference to the world.
Machines are unbiased, and other bedtime stories
When we use machine learning for really important things like recruitment and health, we need to be immensely cautious and rationally sceptical of the results that we get.
Raising Heretics on a Diet of Open Data
There's a lot of talk about boosting the pipeline. About getting more women and non binary folks into tech in general, and Data Science in particular. But as long as we focus on recruitment and, at a pinch, university education, as the means to address the problem, we will continue to fail, because we know that kids are being put off STEM, technology, and data skills as early as lower primary school.
There’s no such thing as Artificial Intelligence
There truly is no such thing as Artificial Intelligence. But, but ChatGPT, you cry! But self-driving cars! But The Algorithm! None of these are even close to intelligent. But how do we know?
ChatGPT is not a threat to authentic assessment
Artificial Intelligence is not the problem. It’s our education system that needs to become intelligent, and fit for purpose at last. ChatGPT could be the kick that we've been waiting for - an impetus that could propel us into a more engaging, useful, and valid form of education.