Introducing a Generative AI Decision Tree for Higher Education: A Synthesis of Ethical Considerations from Published Frameworks & Guidelines

The ethics surrounding the development and deployment of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) is an important topic as institutions of higher education adopt the technology for educational purposes. Concurrently, stakeholders from various organizations have reviewed the literature about the ethics of genAI and proposed frameworks about it. However, there is a dearth of tools available to end users when deciding to adopt a genAI tool. In response, this study’s authors analyzed 30 documents – 10 from industry professionals, 10 from governmental organizations, and 10 from academic scholars – that included frameworks, principles, and guidelines that address the ethics of genAI. Using a content analysis, the authors identified key factors and leveraged them to develop a decision tree that end users can employ for making ethical considerations when choosing to adopt different genAI tools.