Navigating AI: Ethical Considerations for the Modern Workplace

This course plunges you into the rapidly-evolving world of artificial intelligence, examining both its technical foundations and its ethical implications for the workplace. We'll explore critical questions: Which decisions are appropriate to entrust to AI systems? Who should be held responsible when AI causes harm? How do biases in AI affect professional practices? By applying ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios, this course empowers you to critically assess AI’s role in modern organizations and address challenges in privacy, accountability, transparency, and fairness.

Who Should Take this Course?

This short-course is ideal for:

• Business leaders and managers: Those responsible for making strategic decisions about the implementation and oversight of AI systems in their organizations.
• Technology professionals: Individuals working in tech fields who want to deepen their understanding of AI’s technical foundations and ethical considerations.
• Students and researchers: Individuals studying AI, computer science, or related fields who are interested in the ethical implications of AI technologies.
• Anyone interested in AI: Lifelong learners and enthusiasts who want to explore the intersection of AI technology and ethics.

Faculty Bios

James Fritz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, VCU Department of Philosophy

Frank Faries, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, VCU Department of Philosophy

Course Outline:

In this 3-week noncredit course, topics to be covered will be: 

Week 1: Introducing AI Ethics

Week 2: Privacy, Information, and Disinformation

Week 3: Bias, Explanation, and Responsibility

What to Expect in This Course

Participants can look forward to:

• An introduction to AI: Gain a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, including its capabilities, limitations, and potential applications in various industries.

• Ethical frameworks: Learn to apply ethical principles to real-world AI scenarios, addressing issues such as privacy, accountability, transparency, and fairness.

• Critical decision-making skills: Develop the ability to discern which decisions are suitable for AI systems and when human intervention is necessary.

• Bias analysis: Understand how biases in AI can affect professional practices and learn strategies to mitigate these biases.

• Interactive learning: Engage in practical exercises that illustrate the ethical challenges and solutions in AI. Use AI to complete these practical exercises that deepen ethical thinking.

• Expert insights: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of VCU faculty who are leaders in the fields of AI and ethics.

• Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow participants who share an interest in the ethical implications of AI, fostering a community of like-minded professionals.

Course Pricing

Standard Registration - $225

Discounts:

• Early registration through February 24, 2025 - $199
• VCU alumni/staff/faculty discounts
  
  • Standard Registration - $199
  • Early Registration through February 24, 2025 - $175
• Groups (3 or more; same organization at the time of registration)
  • $175/registrant