About the project

The project will dedicate attention to ethical considerations, and the comprehensive approach to integrating AI into various facets of HEIs (including teaching, research, and administration), and will emphasize building AI competence within HEIs. The project emphasizes the need for transformations and HEIs readiness for the integration of AI. HEIs need to be open and prepare for the unavoidable changes due to fast AI development. Even though Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions have been used in education for many years, the extensive availability of large language models has brought many fundamental changes since the end of 2022 with the evolution of ChatGPT and other AI tools. It is important not only to look for ways and ensure technological adoption of AI, but the broader, transformative impact on institutional structures, policies, and practices, should be looked through and improved or established. Therefore, the AI-ERIT project arose from a recognition among partner institutions of both the opportunities and challenges presented by the emergence and further unprecedent evolution of AI tools.

There are opportunities recognized that AI tools and technologies bring, however, it is also agreed with the risks of uncertain implications and unintended consequences. One of the primary challenges identified is the absence of comprehensive guidelines or policies instructing academics, researchers, and students on the proper use of AI tools.

The lack of standardized guidance particularly impacts smaller HEIs, hindering their ability to adapt to the changes brought by AI and implement ethical procedures and policies for its use. Furthermore, the observed lack of digital literacy (including AI literacy, which is becoming a necessary skill for future work) in society underscores the need for additional learning opportunities regarding the AI ethical and effective integration in teaching, learning activities, studies, research, and academic task implementation. Proper, ethical use of AI tools can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce the time needed, especially for day-to-day tasks. Additionally, there is an increasing demand within communities to improve AI literacy.

Futuristic digital artwork showing a human profile with circuit-like brain patterns, flowing energy lines, and glowing abstract elements, symbolizing artificial intelligence and technology integration.

The project aims to establish a holistic framework for integrating AI into HEIs with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, capacity building, and adaptation.

Project objectives are:

  1. Create comprehensive recommendations and policies for integrating AI into HEIs in alignment with ethical principles, encompassing teaching, research, and administrative tasks.

  2. Enhance AI competence among HEIs researchers, teachers, and administrative staff, ensuring effective utilization of AI tools and technologies.

  3. Design and implement a study module focused on AI literacy and ethics for students, with an emphasis on critical thinking and responsible AI usage.

  4. Promote awareness and understanding of current and upcoming AI-related issues for HEIs.

Project results:

  • Recommendations on implementing AI in line with the ethical principles.

  • Policy and recommendations on using AI tools in studies.

  • Policy and recommendations on using AI tools in Research.

  • Toolkit on using AI tools in HEIs administrative services.

  • AI Audit process guidelines for HEIs.

  • Online training and tutorials for researchers, teachers, and non-academic staff (525 persons) to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to apply AI tools and technologies effectively and ethically in their respective fields of work.

  • 3 ECTS online Study module “AI literacy and ethics” for students and piloting with 700 students from all partner institutions

  • Improving and opening the study module “AI literacy and ethics” for the general audience free of charge.