Applied Economics Education & Extension

an AAEA Journal

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

Teaching Approaches to Ethical Generative Artificial Intelligence Use in Agricultural Economics Classrooms

Bailey Peterson-Wilhelm(a), Merri E. Day(b), Priyanka Sharma(c), Jiyeon Kim)d), Lonnie Hobbs Jr.(e), and Logan L. Britton(e)
(a)University of Saskatchewan, (b)Texas A&M University, (c)University of Arkansas, (d)North Dakota State University, (e)Kansas State University

JEL Codes: A22, A23, D83, I23, O33
Keywords: agricultural economics, artificial intelligence, ethics, learning, teaching

First Published Online: May 6, 2026

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Abstract

With the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Copilot, and others, professionals and students in higher education institutions have altered their approaches to teaching and learning. While varying opinions exist on the implementation of AI in higher education, there is need for both students and educators to understand the ethical dimensions of its use for both students and educators. This article demonstrates a three-module instructional approach for integrating generative AI and its ethical use into undergraduate coursework. The modules include (1) AI introduction, (2) how to use AI, and (3) ethical dimensions. The three-module approach was implemented in a first-year, computer-based course designed to develop skills for agribusiness decision making. Students reported improved understanding of generative AI and its ethical implications after completing the lecture, irrespective of section or class level. This modular framework offers a practical guide for instructors aiming to integrate ethical AI education into agricultural economics curricula.

About the Authors: Bailey Peterson-Wilhelm is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. Merri E. Day is an assistant professor and extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Priyanka Sharma is a postdoctoral fellow in the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas. Jiyeon Kim is a junior research economist in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University. Lonnie Hobbs Jr. is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. Logan L. Britton (corresponding author; lbritton@ksu.edu) is an associate professor is the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University.

Acknowledgments: We would like to thank our anonymous students for their contributions to this study. The study was declared exempt by the Kansas State University Institutional Review Board and received approval No. IRB-11939. We have no conflicts of interest to report.

Copyright is governed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA

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