As artificial intelligence technology advances, Boston colleges are poised to tackle AI in the classroom, but not in the way many envision it.
Even though students are increasingly able to find answers with the click of a button, experts say AI can improve more than hinder college degrees.
Newly released software such as ChatGPT has created a bad publicity about the use of AI by students, and many consider the technology to be a threat to education. Nonetheless, experts say the technology should not be feared, it should be embraced.
Kosmas Karadimitriou, president of Nova Science Ventures, who has been working on AI for more than two decades, says AI is everywhere “whether we know it or not.”
“AI is now all around us, from the types of news we see in our news feeds to influencing the products we buy when major websites recommend them,” he said. ”[It controls] all kinds of systems. ”
This impact is rapidly permeating classrooms around the world, demanding a re-examination of traditional teaching practices. AI brings new risks and opportunities, creating a need for out-of-the-box solutions that benefit both teachers and students.
”[Colleges] We definitely need to address the current changes and the fact that students are using AI,” said Karadimitriu, adding, “whether they want it or not, whether it’s prohibited or allowed. , students will use AI.”
What are the risks of AI in the classroom?
In many ways, AI is seen as a threat to higher education. Finding answers is easier than ever with accessible tools like Matlab and Chat GBT. This raises concerns for governments over plagiarism and academic fraud.
”[AI] That leads to a big problem, the biggest problem, which is a decline in student autonomy and critical thinking,” said Karadimitriu.
In a statement, a local university expressed the need to brainstorm new ways to promote academic integrity in its students.
“The advent of AI and its power has started a deep debate about how that technology can and will impact higher education,” Emerson College told NBC Boston in a statement. . “While there are some positives to using AI, new policies may be needed to ensure its ethical and appropriate use in education.”
Similarly, Dr. Memo Elgeser, associate professor in the Department of Computing and Data Science at Wentworth, added that the evolving nature of AI will require new guidelines for student bodies.
“For AI-based tools, as seen in the psychologically profiled political ads published by Cambridge Analytica, the impact can be rapid and pervasive, making it difficult to regulate,” Dr Elgarther said. said in a statement. “Therefore, it is of utmost importance to work with students to understand not only the theory and capabilities of AI, but also its ethical implications.”
“I am one of those who advocate the development of regulations and guidelines on AI technology to foster responsible innovation, build trust and ultimately contribute to the betterment of mankind,” he added.
How can government promote academic integrity?
One solution to the concern that students will leave college plagiarism is to completely replace the classroom.
“I think one solution is the idea of a flipped classroom or reverse classroom, where professors assign home-study tasks,” Karadimitriu said. “Students study at home, but then they go to the classroom and work there.”
But in Karadimitriu’s expert opinion, rules and regulations will only go so far. Ethical use of AI requires students to be motivated to learn independently. It is in the students’ best interest to actively participate in their education rather than using AI as a substitute.
“AI can give the initial impetus, but after that [students] “They have to become completely AI-agnostic,” he said, adding, “At the end of the day, that’s why they go to college, to learn and acquire skills. And if you outsource all this to AI, what are they going to college for? Why are they paying so much? ”
It’s a skill students can take beyond the classroom into their professional lives, he says.
“This is the world they’re entering, the world where AI is all around us,” Karadimitriu said. “And they need to be able to work and live effectively in this world. They will be aware of all the AI tools and maybe use them to some extent, but make sure they do what they are supposed to do in college. ”
What opportunities does AI bring to universities?
According to Azar Vestabros, Vice President for Computing and Data Science at Boston University, the AI opportunity is multifaceted.
“So I have two questions,” he said in an interview with NBC Boston. “One is how AI will change the way we teach. And another is how we teach AI.”
Within the classroom, AI can provide invaluable capabilities. Students will have immediate access to her one-on-one lessons.
“[With AI]we have individual teachers for all our students,” said Karadimitrio. [the students] If you have a question, need help with something like homework, you can turn to AI. AI can answer any question, provide feedback, and even track progress as it works. ”
While some might see this possibility as a threat to professors, Vestabros disputes this line of thinking and argues that rather than destroying education, AI will benefit education as we know it. It defends itself as a tool.
“We need to start getting comfortable with AI being part of the workforce,” he says. “We have to learn how to use AI as a tool and as a collaborator. In fact, the combination of humans and AI is important, and students are going to learn how.”
How can schools adapt to the integration of AI?
To that end, universities must begin efforts to “teach AI” not only to students but also to professors.
“One idea is for universities to hold seminars with faculty to let students know what is available,” Karadimitriu said. “Students know about and use all these tools, but professors may be completely unaware of it. [they] even exists. So to speak, they should at least be on the same playing field. ”
At Boston University, this idea emerged as a student-designed policy adopted by the Computing and Data Science department. The policy details the ground rules for her use of AI by students and professors and underscores her commitment to innovation and ethics.
“At BU we saw. [the need for universal training]and [the policy] It has given us the space to do this in an environment where both faculty and students can participate,” Vestabros said. [AI] This is something that should be accepted and really should be used to improve the game for everyone. It is about making teachers better teachers and making students better students. ”
So, what will happen to AI in universities in the near future, and how will education change as technology advances?
In calling on universities to let go of their fear of AI, Vestavros compares it to Douglas Rashkoff’s book, “Program or Be Programmed.”
“This book is perfect because it actually says, ‘You have a choice,'” he said.
”[Students] It takes 4 years to conquer an AI and tame it. Treat it like your pet, not the object of your fear.what is it [they] Vestabros added, “You can either tame the AI or be tamed by the AI.”
