Accrediting the Ethical Use of AI

At GOER, we recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education — bringing exciting opportunities and significant risks. Our mission is to ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently, and safely within online and blended learning environments.


As part of our accreditation framework, we provide a rigorous and practical AI Governance and Ethics Review, helping schools and education providers to meet global best practices.

Our Step-by-Step Accreditation Framework for AI

1. AI Policy Review & Governance Audit

  • We require all accredited institutions to have a formal AI Governance Policy, aligned with ethical and legal standards.
  • GOER reviewers examine policies covering:

    • Purpose and scope of AI use

    • Roles and responsibilities in AI oversight

    • Transparency and accountability measures

    • Compliance with relevant data privacy and child protection laws (e.g. GDPR, COPPA)

 

2. AI Use Mapping

  • Institutions must provide a detailed map of all AI tools used across teaching, learning, assessment, and student support services.

  • GOER assesses the purpose and appropriateness of each AI use case, considering:

    • Impact on teaching quality

    • Transparency to learners and staff

    • Ethical alignment with educational values

 

3. Transparency & Explainability Review

  • GOER requires AI systems used in education to be explainable and understandable to non-technical users.
  • Accreditation includes checks for:

    • Clear communication to learners and staff when AI is being used

    • Transparent explanations of how AI systems make decisions or recommendations

    • Avoidance of "black box" AI in high-stakes educational processes (e.g. grading, admissions, safeguarding decisions)

4. Student Data Protection & Privacy Review

  • GOER conducts a full audit of how AI systems manage and process student data.

  • We assess:

    • Data minimisation and purpose limitation

    • Anonymisation practices

    • Third-party data sharing safeguards

    • Student rights and parental consent procedures

 

5. Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA)

  • Institutions are required to conduct a documented Ethical Impact Assessment for significant AI systems.

  • GOER reviews these EIAs to ensure institutions have considered:

    • Equity and bias risks in AI-driven content or assessment

    • Impact on student agency and autonomy

    • Potential for harm or unintended consequences

    • Safeguards against misuse of generative AI tools by staff or students

 

6. Continuous Monitoring & Professional Development

  • GOER accredited institutions must demonstrate:

    • Ongoing AI monitoring processes — not one-off reviews

    • Staff training in ethical and responsible AI use

    • Active review of new AI tools and emerging risks

    • Engagement with students and parents to foster AI literacy and awareness

 

Look to our full GOER Accreditation Standards Handbook for more information. 

Why It Matters

Without clear standards, AI risks undermining student trust, educational integrity, and human-centred learning. GOER’s AI accreditation framework gives schools, parents, and learners confidence that AI is used:
✔ Transparently
✔ Responsibly
✔ In support of ethical educational goals

*We do not accredit institutions that cannot meet these standards.*

Setting the Global Benchmark for Responsible AI in Education

As the first global online education regulator, GOER is committed to setting the benchmark for responsible AI governance. Our framework is continuously updated in line with:

  • UNESCO AI & Education guidelines
  • OECD AI principles
  • European Union AI Act and other emerging legislation
  • Global best practices in educational technology ethics