Concerns raised over WRDSB's use of AI
A social media post made by the Waterloo Regional District School Board (WRDSB) is causing some backlash because of its use of artificial intelligence to help write it.
The post describes a new addition to the English curriculum: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices. At the bottom of the post, it reads, "This post was created with the assistance of #AI, but is made better by humans!"
Many people online commented on it, questioning why AI was used at all.
"So my first thought was how much about the post was actually written by a human and how much of it was actually written by AI," Bangishimo, co-director of the Willow River Centre, said.
In April, the school board started posting at the start of the week using the hashtag #MixtapeMonday. The goal is to experiment with artificial intelligence to share information.
The post about the new course does carry the hashtag, but it's the only one made on Monday that mentioned AI.
“Almost creates that narrative that they don't care, when we're like, we'll just get a computer to do it," Bangishimo said.
The post said the course provides a unique opportunity to explore and understand Indigenous perspectives, and fosters empathy, respect, and reconciliation within the community. Bangishimo wonders why it was not fully written by a human, when it relates to reconciliation.
"It doesn't show your dedication to working with the Indigenous community when you're relying on a computer program to write it for you. It loses the meaning of what reconciliation should be, of putting that time and that energy, your own words into creating something like that," Bangishimo said.
No one from the board was available for an interview, but told CTV News in an email that the AI mixtape helps create engaging new messages to share.
“Importantly, this includes a transparent approach by explaining how AI was used to inform the creation of the posts, but that they are edited and improved by people,” Eusis Dougan-McKenzie, WRDSB executive officer, said in the email. “The #MixtapeMonday post was used to help further promote this course with our community, in an effort to increase awareness of this unique and innovative academic offering for students. We do realise that it caused confusion and harm and apologise for that. The promotional post is not connected to the class."
Bangishimo has used AI in other platforms and said when creating art, it often produces stereotypical imagery of Indigenous people. They hope if AI continues to be used, someone is dedicated to checking it.
"That was automatically a red flag for me, because I know how harmful that can be if it's not used in the right way," Bangishimo said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Irrefutable evidence': integrity commissioner finds Parole Board member sexually harassed 'several' employees
There is 'irrefutable evidence' a member of the Parole Board of Canada sexually harassed multiple employees, without adequate disciplinary action from management, according to a report by Canada's Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.