Informatics in Education

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into society demands a new generation of professionals skilled in navigating its complex ethical dimensions. This design-based research study investigates the effectiveness of ‘EthicsDebateAI,’ a bespoke online platform developed to address this need. Implemented through a multi-session workshop with third-year computer science undergraduates in Algeria, the intervention uses a Structured Controversy debate framework and authentic case studies to cultivate critical ethical reasoning. The intervention’s impact was assessed using a mixed-methods approach. A custom pre/post-assessment revealed a significant improvement in ethical reasoning (t(49) = 45.50, p < .001, d = 2.28), while high student satisfaction (M = 4.48) and perceived career preparedness (M = 4.44) were confirmed via survey data. Thematic analysis of student reflections further illuminated the development of nuanced analytical skills. Findings demonstrate that targeted, interactive interventions can effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical ethical competencies required of future AI professionals.