The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered The Chat

by Ken Shelton, Dee Lanier

The Promises and Perils of AI in Education is a beacon of knowledge for anyone navigating the evolving terrain of educational technology for educational transformation. Dee and Ken’s insightful work not only illuminates the path towards equitable AI integration but also empowers us to lead with activism and ethical foresight. Remember WE ARE THE CULTURE WE CREATE, and this book is a must-read for those eager to embrace AI’s potential while championing diversity and inclusion in education.
- Jornea Armant, Head of Community Engagement, Microsoft Learning

With rapid adoption of generative AI, dystopian narratives of our future under the control of computers might feel closer than ever. However, Ken and Dee remind us that marginalized and underrepresented people live with valid fears of AI right now, especially as they navigate academic institutions. Together, they lay out an effective framework where academia can begin to strategically introduce applications of AI while being careful to outline guiding principles that mitigate harm, bias and unintended consequences.
- Kevin Bethune, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, bestselling author of Reimagining Design

When you open a book and the first thing you read is “Voices from the margins,” you already have my FULL attention. There is no better time than NOW to engage in conversations about the impact of AI in our society and the power struggle we face over resources. “AI should light the way for those long left behind.” The Promises and Perils of AI in Education serves as a tool for equity and empowerment, making it a must-read for educators and policymakers alike.
- Dr. Nyree Clark, Speaker, Presenter, & Adjunct Professor

In the history of mankind, advances in technological innovations have been inevitable, but so too were the opportunities to further harm humanity. Ken Shelton and Dee Lanier provide a moral compass, a clarion call and techniques for us to use AI for equity and justice; with classrooms centered on using AI for effective instruction, not only will students benefit from it, humanity will as well.
- Sharif El-Mekki, CEO, The Center for Black Educator Development

I really appreciate the intentionality and thoughtfulness of this book. As AI becomes more and more prominent in conversations around what it can do for students, faculty, and staff, this book offers a balanced exploration that highlights both the advancements of AI in education and the ethical conundrums that AI brings to the educational landscape. It’s a must-read for educators, technologists, and policymakers who stand at the crossroads of innovation and responsibility.
- Victoria Thompson, Education Technology Consultant, keynote speaker, author of Elevate Equity in Edtech


This thought-provoking book explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in education, urging us to prioritize equity and ethical implementation.

AI can personalize learning and empower students, but it's crucial to address potential biases and ensure it doesn't widen the achievement gap.

The authors, Ken Shelton and Dee Lanier, guide you through the complexities of AI, highlighting both its promises and pitfalls. They advocate for robust oversight, transparency, and collaboration to prevent harm to marginalized communities.

This book empowers educators, policymakers, and parents to become AI activists, shaping a future where AI fosters critical thinking, creativity, and individualized learning for all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Artificial Intelligence

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

Reviews

[Kristin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Promises and Perils of AI in Education by Ken Shelton and Dee Lanier, and I really appreciated their perspectives, especially their focus on ethics and equity. They draw powerful connections to the inequities highlighted during the pandemic and stress the importance of having meaningful conversations about how we use AI in education. It’s a thoughtful, eye-opening read that challenges us to approach AI with intention and responsibility.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

The goal of this text is admirable- pushing for equity to be at the forefront of AI usage/creation. I was excited to hear from 2 authors belonging to marginalized groups regarding this topic.

While the text did have some good insights, the text overall was repetitive and dry. There were also some editing errors missed that made the text difficult to read in certain places. Overall, the text read more like a compilation of essays on a topic rather than a united book.

[MaryAlice · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Promises and Perils of AI in Education" looks at how artificial intelligence could change the way we learn and teach. It talks about the cool things AI can do, like personalizing lessons, keeping students engaged, and helping with admin tasks. But it also raises some worries, like biased algorithms, privacy concerns, and how it might make educational gaps worse. The book pushes for using AI carefully and responsibly to make sure it helps more than it harms.

[Susan A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly!! With AI becoming more and more a part of our lives, questions that this books raises have to be discussed. Well written and relevant for today’s educational theater.

[Kyleen Edger · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY dense read, proceed slowly. This is so very relevant for the classroom right now.