Driving Sex-Gender Equity and Ethical Integration in Edu X.0: Harnessing GenAI for Human-Centric Innovation, Responsibility, and Industry X.0 (When X.0 = 5.0)

• Published in: IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Mattiello, Hamid, Mattiello, Diana, Wittberg, Volker
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 22.04.2025
• Subjects: Artificial intelligence; Cultural differences; Decision making; Edu X.0; Education; Ethical AI; Ethical Integration; Ethics; GenAI; Gender equity; Industries; Industry X.0 Responsible Innovation; Navigation; Privacy; Sex-Gender Equity; Technological innovation; The X.0 Wave Theory
• ISSN: 2165-9567
• DOI: 10.1109/EDUCON62633.2025.11016475

The transformative potential of Generative AI (GenAI) in higher education necessitates a critical examination of its ethical integration, particularly in fostering sex-gender equity and ensuring human-centric innovation. This paper addresses the multifaceted impact of GenAI, exploring both its opportunities and the ethical challenges it presents within educational contexts. As AI technologies, including large language models and diffusion models, rapidly advance, concerns regarding bias, privacy, accountability, and explainability in their application to educational settings must be addressed. It argues that ethical considerations must guide the integration of AI into educational systems, with a particular focus on gender equity and the promotion of inclusive learning environments. The rise of personalized learning, facilitated by AI systems, offers vast potential for tailoring educational experiences to individual needs. However, it also raises significant risks, including algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and the unintended misuse of AI technologies by students in ways that may perpetuate social inequities or ethical lapses. It underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to address the ethics education gap, ensuring that students are not only equipped with cutting-edge technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of the societal and ethical implications of AI technologies. To bridge this gap, we propose practical strategies for the ethical integration of GenAI in education. These include project-based learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive faculty development programs aimed at embedding ethical decision-making frameworks within AI curricula. By cultivating a cultural ethical responsibility, higher education can foster an environment where AI innovation is pursued with a commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Rooted in the X.0 wave, which highlights the evolution of technological paradigms from traditional models to the next wave of innovation, this paper aligns with the principles of Industry X.0 (when X.0 = 5.0). This theory emphasizes humancentric innovation, sustainability, and ethical responsibility as foundational elements for future technological advancements. In this context, it provides a roadmap for the responsible use of AI in education, advocating for the integration of human welfare as a guiding principle in AI-driven innovation. This ensures that AI technologies are utilized as tools for advancing societal well-being rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. By applying X.0 theory, this research calls for a paradigm shift in higher education-one that prioritizes ethical AI education and prepares students to lead with responsibility, equity, and integrity as they navigate the evolving technological landscape.