Opportunities and Ethical Issues of the Application of Generative Artificial Intelligence in STEM+C Education

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is emerging as a transformative tool with the potential to personalize learning, increase student engagement and expand access to high quality educational resources. GenAI can enhance the learning process through simulations, code generation, visualizations and adaptive resources. GenAI offers the development of critical and ethical thinking and supports educators through the automation of routine tasks, as well as opportunities for the inclusion of learners with special needs. On the other hand, significant ethical issues are identified, such as violation of academic integrity, bias, digital inequality, cognitive passivity and lack of institutional regulations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opportunities and ethical issues and arising from the application of GenAI into STEM+C education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science). Specific recommendations are proposed for the responsible use of GenAI in STEM-C, covering educator and learner training, policy development, equitable access and ethical pedagogical practices.