The AI Policy Module: Developing Computer Science Student Competency in AI Ethics and Policy

CS students lack preparation for policy responsibilities: The paper identifies a critical gap in computer science curricula, noting that current post-secondary computing programs are "ill-equipped" to prepare future AI practitioners to translate ethical principles into actual design and development practices—a skill the authors argue will become essential even for technically-focused engineers.

Educational intervention increases ethical awareness: Following the AI Policy Module, students reported increased concern about the ethical impacts of AI technologies, demonstrating that structured curriculum additions can meaningfully shift how future AI developers think about the societal implications of their work.

Students gain confidence in policy discussions: The module successfully improved students' confidence in their ability to engage in discussions about AI regulation, suggesting that demystifying the "AI policy landscape" helps technical students feel equipped to participate in governance conversations alongside policymakers and ethicists.

Bridging theory and practice is critical: The paper emphasizes that familiarity with AI policy and the ability to "translate ethical principles to practices" represents a new professional responsibility, indicating that abstract ethics education alone is insufficient—students need concrete frameworks for implementing values in real systems.

Pilot-tested approach shows promise: The successful fall 2024 pilot led to an expanded AI Policy Module 2.0 with technical assignments on AI regulation, suggesting that integrating policy education into existing CS curricula is feasible and produces measurable improvements in student preparedness.