Artificial Intelligence: The Inevitable ‘New Normal’ of University Life
Strange New World
Dorothy, from “The Wizard of Oz,” once exclaimed, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” This statement encapsulated her realization of a definite change of scenery upon awakening in a land far removed from what she once knew. In a similar vein, artificial intelligence, or AI, is rapidly reshaping the landscape of the university setting — so swiftly that nearly everyone is awakening to this new reality with a mix of wonderment and, perhaps, a hint of trepidation.
Without a doubt, when contemplating the application — or potential misapplication — of this captivating technology within educational institutions, the mind inevitably turns to the scenario of the proverbial cheating college student.
Perhaps partying away the weekend, nonchalantly blowing off that looming 25-page term paper… right up to the eleventh hour. Maybe even oversleeping on Monday morning, before eventually rolling out of bed, lazily pecking a button or two on the laptop, and finally gliding the finished product — a near masterpiece thesis — across the finish line… just… in… time.
While such nightmare scenarios for higher education seem more likely to occur than not, a growing number of colleges and universities are embracing the overall potential of AI by incorporating it into the learning process, rather than fighting the unavoidable. The potential benefits simply far outweigh the occasional concerns and missteps.
Rather than scrambling or ignoring, educators are embracing. Figuring out the boundaries. Leveraging the newfound efficiencies. Harnessing the remarkable capabilities of AI.
Maybe even using it to develop the rules for using it!
Rapid Advancements
“This version of ChatGPT is the weakest, most rudimentary artificial intelligence of its kind our students will ever use.” — Matt Miller, Ditch That Textbook
What’s unnerving, is that publicly accessible AI, such as ChatGPT, is only in its infancy. Just think of what is to come. If you have not tried it yet, you may soon be in the minority. The spread of this technology might soon make the expression “going viral” seem painfully antiquated and inadequate.
Educators Respond
Many educators and students don’t know exactly where the lines are drawn — if they are drawn — so they might prematurely discount the many legitimate ways AI can be incorporated to enhance the overall educational experience. For instance, AI is at this very moment being used to: conduct research, assist in editing, simplify complex language or concepts, provide individualized tutoring, help with vocabulary, brainstorm, develop lesson plans tailored to individual abilities, find recipes, solve equations, recommend restaurants, predict presidential election results… the varied uses are seemingly endless.
And that’s just the beginning.
The possibilities are only limited to the imagination of the user — and that might be something AI can help with, as well!
The below TED Talk features Natasha Berg, M.Ed., who works as the Multimedia and Technology Integration Specialist at a local high school in South Dakota. She addresses the issues of AI in education head-on.
Embracing a Generational Opportunity to Be Better NOW
Now, take the opening paragraph of this article. It was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.
The ideas for the content of the paragraph were the author’s original thoughts. However, in the interest of accuracy, ChatGPT was consulted to validate the exact verbiage of the movie quote that was chosen. Then, to ensure the reference was applicable, another query provided the context for the quote (to validate the author’s recollection of the movie’s timeline of events).
Finally, the author’s draft paragraph was provided to ChatGPT for review, producing a suggested alternative for some of the wording. The author copied the suggested revision, and still made another minor adjustment of his own before settling on what you read in the opening, as a final copy.
The graphic below shows the actual dialogue between the author and ChatGPT.
Pretty easy. And, arguably, a perfectly legitimate use of the technology to improve the readability of the author’s original thoughts.
So, do you currently use this evolutionary technology in your educational pursuits? If so, please respond to the short AI survey below:
Click below to see poll results to date!
