Ethical AI: How Professors Guide Educators with Technology

As artificial intelligence (AI) promises to transform higher education, professors are wrestling with the best ways to integrate the technology into their classrooms while ethically navigating how the advanced technology helps or hinders their students’ learning.  

At Cedarville University, two business professors are creating a template for educators to review and adopt in their classes. 

Alina Leo, assistant professor of management, and Dr. John Delano, associate dean of the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, have co-authored a groundbreaking paper on the technical, ethical, and biblical implications of AI. Their work, "From Sage on the Stage to Shepherd in the Field: The Transformative Effect of Generative AI on the Professor's Role in the Classroom," won a Best Paper Award at the 2024 Christian Business Faculty Association Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in November.  

In the paper, both authors address issues AI can create for professors and students, including plagiarism and overreliance on AI tools. They believe it’s essential for academic leaders to set clear guidelines to ensure that students critically engage with AI rather than passively relying on it. 

By providing practical applications for integrating AI into the classroom, professors can preserve the essential human and ethical elements of teaching.  

In their paper, Delano and Leo highlight the evolving role of professors in advising students in AI-driven learning environments. They suggest that a shift from a traditional lecture — “Sage on the Stage” — to a more interactive approach — “Shepherd in the Field” — is the best way to educate students.  

"It was truly gratifying to see our work resonate with our peers in Christian higher education,” said Delano. “At Cedarville, professors serve as guides to help students learn critical thinking skills and responsibly use technology for God’s glory.”  

Fueled by previous conversations on the evolving role of generative AI tools in education, Delano and Leo combined their expertise across a range of fields — including technical aspects of AI, educational practices and faith integration — to analyze AI’s broader impact on education.  

"As we continue to navigate these changes, we have found the best method is to stay informed and adaptable to ensure we can provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Leo. 

Both Delano and Leo believe that AI’s long-term role must complement, not overshadow, the human and spiritual elements of education. 

Cedarville University, an Evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.