Governance of artificial intelligence and data in Australasian higher education: A snapshot of policy and practice

Abstract

Governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly urgent in higher education institutions for its impact on the quality and equity of education. Earlier in 2023, AI usage conversations across the sector appeared to predominantly focus on the other AI, Academic Integrity. Just like the technology has advanced in the past eight months since the first ACODE (Australasian Council of Open Digital Education) whitepaper on this topic this year, so too has the practice of using AI. In October 2023, ACODE conducted a survey to get an understanding of AI policy and practice in member institutions. The results show there is a mixed view whether guidelines and policies are in place with respect to the governance of AI and data which suggests the sector needs to continue these conversations for some time to come. Furthermore, ethical application of AI is emerging through experimental activities and pilots of proof of concepts, suggesting that case studies and recommendations for practice could be developed in 2024 to further assure quality and equity in education.