AI Misstep: College Education in Turmoil
Artificial intelligence (AI) is causing significant debate in the realm of higher education as instructors express varied opinions on its role. While some educators see AI as a valuable tool for enhancing learning, others harbor concerns about its potential drawbacks and ethical implications.
AI’s Role in College Education
The rapid integration of AI into educational settings has sparked differing perspectives among professionals. Luis Eduardo Azmitia Pardo, an economics professor at Capilano University, emphasizes a cautious but open approach to AI in academia. He believes in using AI as a supportive tool for students, allowing for brainstorming and organizing ideas while stressing the importance of critical thinking.
“AI should be approached thoughtfully and with caution, but not with fear,” Azmitia Pardo states. He assists students in using AI to clarify concepts while maintaining that personal reflection and analysis be central to their learning process.
Concerns About AI in Academia
Conversely, English instructor Cara DiGirolamo raises concerns regarding AI’s integration in universities. They argue that the support for AI tools like language learning models (LLMs) encourages academic dishonesty. DiGirolamo argues, “If you are tempted to cheat, AI makes it easy to cheat.” They warn that relying on AI could hinder students’ moral development and impede the traditional learning process.
DiGirolamo suggests that if universities choose to embrace AI, they must implement significant changes, such as:
- Reducing class sizes to a maximum of 15 students.
- Converting all exams to oral formats requiring students to demonstrate their understanding verbally.
- Encouraging students to build their own neural networks to grasp AI’s capabilities and limitations.
The Future of AI in Education
The debate over AI in higher education reflects deeper questions about academic integrity and the value of learning itself. The views of instructors like Azmitia Pardo and DiGirolamo highlight the divided opinions on this issue. On one side, AI is a tool that can enhance educational experiences. On the other, it poses challenges that could undermine the purpose of higher education.
As the presence of AI continues to grow, universities find themselves at a crossroads, needing to adapt rapidly to these technological advancements while ensuring the preservation of academic standards.
