Artificial Intelligence (AI) exploded into our lives relatively recently. The resulting shock wave (let's milk this metaphor for all it's worth) spread out to affect so many different areas of our lives and is still expanding inexorably. In the areas of work and higher education, the AI blast has already shattered the windows and knocked over the furniture. AI can answer questions, be used for homework and tests and summarise or translate long texts in a matter of seconds. It can even write software code for you. Just a few years ago all of this would have seemed like science-fiction.

ILIAS's development cycle is hardly suited to such rapid change. Because when it comes to AI, yesterday is already outdated, and today is already all about working on tomorrow. To keep up with this rapid pace, plugins are the best option.

So, what is the stance of the ILIAS Society and its members when it comes to artificial intelligence? Do we want to establish rules for the use and integration of AI into our learning management system? Do we as a community want to ensure that AI is used but not misused in ILIAS? And should we do so?

In order to take a position on these issues, the following 'Principles of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in ILIAS' have been decided upon.

1. Human agency is paramount.

   What does this mean?

   Artificial intelligence in ILIAS should play a supporting role in teaching and learning and making processes easier. It should not replace human decision making, creativity or responsibility. Humans must remain in charge; decisions and responsibility lie with them. Humans should evaluate the results and suggestions provided by AI and check the output thoroughly. AI should not be allowed to act autonomously.

2. AI should bring added value to teaching and learning.

   What does this mean?

   Artificial intelligence in ILIAS should efficiently support teaching and learning processes and enable innovation. Its use can simplify administrative processes, improve support services and support the individualisation of learning processes.

3. The use of AI in ILIAS will take place transparently and in accordance with data protection regulations.

   What does this mean?

   ILIAS is developed by a community as Open Source software. ILIAS stands for data protection and digital sovereignty. This should also apply to the use of AI in ILIAS. In addition to these values, the EU AI Act provides basic rules on the use of AI. Lock-in effects should be avoided. Parameters provided to AI systems need to be transparent, accessible and modifiable for users. It should remain possible to use ILIAS without connecting to AI services.

4. AI-generated content is to be marked as such and reflected upon critically.

   What does this mean?

   ILIAS helps users to trace the origin of content or to label it in a way that makes sense. Teachers and learners should be able to recognise and critically scrutinise AI-generated content.

5. Integration is to be ensured and API standards supported.

   What does this mean?

   The integration of AI into ILIAS is based on open standards. This makes it easier to integrate with existing IT infrastructure. Interoperable interfaces ensure that ILIAS remains adaptable and compatible with the evolving field of AI.

6. The development of AI-integration should take place in a transparent fashion and be community led.

   What does this mean?

   The development of AI in ILIAS should take place in an open and community-led process. Digital sovereignty is encouraged. This enables self-determined, independent and responsible technological decisions.

7. We will pursue global sustainable development goals

   What does this mean?

   Responsibility and the conservation of resources are also important values for the society. ILIAS generally - and specifically when it comes to the use of AI - strives to make a difference by adhering to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: equal opportunities, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequality, sustainable consumption and production, climate action and global partnerships.

These guiding principles were decided upon at the beginning of the year. Time will tell how they will be put into practice. It also remains to be seen how artificial intelligence will develop in the future. Both within ILIAS and in general. We live in interesting times.

P.P.S. My translation of Alina's article utilised the occasional second opinion from deepL and also I (Chris) double checked something using Mistal's Vibe. I for one welcome our new machine overlords.