ETHICS, AI, AND SOCIETY: SHAPING RESPONSIBLE AI ENGINEERS WITH CDIO FRAMEWORK

This paper describes the development and implementation of a novel course entitled "Ethics, AI, and Society," designed within the CDIO framework to provide ethical education to Artificial Intelligence (AI) graduating engineering students. As AI technologies increasingly permeate various facets of society, the imperative for ethical acumen among engineers comes to the fore. In this regard, the module aims to equip AI engineering students with a holistic understanding of ethical dimensions, societal repercussions, and regulations associated with creating and implementing AI technologies. An interactive pedagogical strategy underpins the module, engaging students with a blend of theoretical discussions and experiential learning fostering a culture of critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Building on this foundation, the course thoroughly explores philosophical basis and navigates a spectrum of real-world ethical dilemmas. Topics such as bias mitigation, data privacy, and the broader societal impacts of AI in various domains, including healthcare and economy, are explored in depth. The curriculum is further enriched by a series of diverse guest speakers, each hailing from unique professional background. These experts bring their distinctive perspectives and insights, thereby greatly enhancing the students' comprehension and engagement with the course material. This approach broadens the learning experience and deepens the understanding of the complex interaction between AI, ethics, and society. To ensure that this content leads to concrete learning outcomes and practical skills, the course's design and implementation strictly adhere to the CDIO standards. Preliminary feedback indicates a significant enhancement in students' capacity to tackle complex ethical dilemmas and an increased consciousness of the societal impact of AI. By presenting the course design, delivery methods, and initial outcomes, this paper aspires to serve as a guiding document for educators and institutions aiming to seamlessly integrate ethics into the foundation of AI engineering education.