Artificial Intelligence (AI@NWU)

Being open about how we use AI and the decision-making processes behind AI systems.

Taking responsibility for AI outcomes and ensuring mechanisms are in place to address any issues or biases.

Safeguarding personal data and respecting user privacy in all AI applications. The use of generative AI, including models that create text, images, audio, and video, introduces unique challenges and considerations for the protection of information. As these AI systems become more sophisticated and widely used, ensuring the security and privacy of the data they process, as well as the content they generate, is crucial. The landscape of threats also evolves with the advancement of AI technologies. Continuous research and adaptation are necessary to identify new vulnerabilities introduced by generative AI and to develop countermeasures.

We commit to eliminate biases and ensuring our AI systems treat all individuals and groups fairly.

We will ensure the consistency and dependability of AI systems to perform as expected and produce accurate, stable outcomes over time under varying conditions. We therefore must ensure the integrity of our data to have quality and reliable output.

We will apply AI to act in ways that are consistent with human values, ethics, and societal norms to ensure their decisions and actions benefit humanity.

The NWU recognises that there are many risks associated with the general and specific application of AI and the university will continuously identify and manage these identified risks through the risk management processes of the NWU.

The NWU believes that AI can add value to all the capabilities of a university, including Teaching and Learning, Research, Community Engagement and other Enabling capabilities. These benefits are dynamic and will evolve over time as new methods appear and experience is gained. Current value includes, but are not limited to:

• The integration of advanced AI technology in education signifies a major shift towards more personalised, effective, and efficient learning experiences.
• The ability to intelligently process and analyse data on students’ performance, facilitates the development of customised teaching strategies, catering to the unique needs and abilities of each individual student.
• This personalised approach incorporates alternative learning designs, impacting on learning paths, assessment and feedback that not only improves comprehension but also allows students to learn at their own pace, enhancing the overall learning experience.
• Technology-driven solutions can contribute to greater efficiency, inclusivity, and accessibility in higher education.
• The intelligent automation of administrative tasks allows lecturers to concentrate on more engaging and enriching teaching strategies.
• AI and related technologies designed to support students with various needs promote fairness in education, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
• The use of data and intelligence for informed decision-making, interactive learning tools, and the provision of continuous learning possibilities outside traditional classroom settings further exemplifies the value of AI technology in the higher education context.

The NWU pursues the continuous consideration of the potential value proposition of AI as a resource in the higher education setting, and endeavours to leverage the benefits and strengths of AI technologies with due consideration of its drawbacks, weaknesses, and threats through ongoing risk/cost benefit analyses and value decisions.

By intelligently evaluating available performance data on lecturers, students, AI, and their interdependencies, lecturers and learning design specialists can potentially enhance curriculum planning and instructional strategies.

By adopting and integrating AI technologies into the NWU Teaching and Learning designs, the NWU strives to equip students with transferable and relevant AI skills to prepare NWU graduates to better engage with future challenges in the World of Work.

To ensure we adhere to our AI principles, NWU will establish a governance framework that includes oversight by an AI Ethics Committee. This committee is responsible for guiding AI development, addressing ethical concerns, and ensuring our AI applications align with our core institutional values and regulatory requirements.

Recognising that AI requires specialised skills, we are investing in our workforce through ongoing education and training programs. This empowers our employees to excel in an AI-driven future, fostering a culture of learning and innovation, and contributing towards addressing the digital divide.

At the NWU, we recognise the opportunities AI presents and are deeply committed and excited to embrace AI technologies that are responsible, beneficial, and aligned with our vision to bring positive change. We embrace the future to innovate responsibly, ensuring that our journey towards an AI-enhanced world is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.