Summary of IDEAL Panel 2023 - Sacred Heart University - AI in Academia: Promise, Peril, and the Path Forward

00:00:00 - 00:55:00

In this YouTube video, a panel of educators from the Welch College of Business and Technology, Communications, Biology, Marketing and Communications, and Communications Studies departments at Sacred Heart University discuss the role of AI in academia. The panel addresses topics such as pedagogical integration of AI in their disciplines, the impact of AI on disciplines and approaches to creation, the use of technology in academia and its potential impact on expertise and the learning process, and the potential benefits and limitations of using AI technology to write academic essays. The panelists also share their experiences teaching with AI, their thoughts on the use of chat GPT and bias in academia, and the importance of fostering an environment where students feel invested in the writing process and are motivated to express their own ideas and opinions.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the panelists are introduced and their backgrounds are discussed to provide context for the rest of the panel discussion. Ola is in the B School of Communications, James is in the biology department, CLA is an assistant professor of marketing in the Welch College of Business and Technology, Greg is in the Communications department, and Maronda is in the Communication Studies department. The ideal committee is also briefly mentioned, and it organizes a series of colloquia featuring panel discussions involving students. The first question posed to the panel is focused on pedagogical integration of AI, how it has been incorporated in their disciplines' curriculum, and the successes or challenges observed.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses their experience teaching digital marketing and artificial intelligence (AI) to students. They believe that teaching students to do things that machines can do is a waste of time, as it is more efficient to use tools such as AI to complete certain tasks. The speaker mentions bringing speakers to share their knowledge of AI and how teaching AI has become a focus in their syllabus. They also share their ideas for using AI to help in their own research and to make their teaching more efficient. The speaker discusses the importance of familiarizing students with AI and its impact on their future careers.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the presenter discusses the impact of AI on disciplines and approaches to creation. The presenter highlights the example of robotic cameras in newsrooms, where one person now controls six cameras through AI technology, eliminating the need for camera operators. The presenter then discusses an AI project at Sacred Heart University where students used a random concept generator in AI to create a three-minute presentation on a topic they may not have chosen. Although the project was successful, the students found it unsettling as they felt they were losing control over the creative process. The presenter highlights the idea of democratic technologies, which aims to flip the control of media to the masses. However, with the advancements in AI, the presenter is worried about the ethical implications and the need for creating new standards on the go. The presenter also emphasizes the importance of accepting our limitations with AI and bringing humility to the classroom.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the video, the speaker discusses the use of technology in academia and its potential impact on expertise and the learning process. They argue that while technology can certainly streamline and automate certain tasks, it is important to recognize its limitations and the factors that set humans apart from machines. For example, scientific communication often relies on a clear narrative and intentionality, which AI currently lacks. The speaker suggests that students should be taught how to write with clarity and purpose in order to effectively communicate their ideas and achieve their goals in their chosen fields. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of creativity and analysis in human work and professions.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the transcript, the speaker discusses the use of AI generating tools to write essays. While they acknowledge that the capabilities of AI have improved rapidly, they argue that it will never be able to replace scholarship in their field. They believe that certain things, such as analyzing substantial amounts of text and data or understanding complex ideas, are beyond the capabilities of AI. They also point out that the problem is not with the students using AI but with the creation of assignments to assess their learning. Another important issue that the speaker addresses is the need for academia to be more productive, but they argue that this depends on the field and their goals as an institution. They believe that it's not about having a large number of students to improve productivity but rather about creating assignments that encourage critical thinking and reflection.
• 00:25:00 In this section, the speaker expresses skepticism about the idea of using large class lectures to make universities more productive. They argue that education requires a personal relationship and cannot solely involve feeding students information or training them to fill a specific job. The speaker mentions the example of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and how they have limitations in terms of personal interaction and relationship building. They believe that AI has potential uses in education, but not as a replacement for human education. The speaker emphasizes that an educated person is able to think critically and formulate their own opinions, which cannot be replicated by a machine. Overall, the speaker suggests that while AI can be a useful tool in education, it is not a replacement for a human education.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the YouTube video, the speaker discusses the importance of teaching students how to ask the right questions when working with AI and large amounts of information. The speaker suggests that AI can be a valuable tool for students, but it ultimately relies on the critical thinking and evaluation skills of the user to determine if the output is accurate and appropriate. The speaker also acknowledges the risks associated with overly permissive attitudes towards AI and the need for educators to design assignments that promote analysis, synthesis, and critical thinking. The speaker advocates for a balanced approach that leverages the benefits of AI while also recognizing the importance of human skills in working with technology.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the potential benefits and limitations of using AI technology to write academic essays. The speaker asserts that while using AI to write essays can be helpful in the short term, it can also limit students' ability to develop their writing skills and express their own unique voice. The speaker suggests that instructors should engage in an honest conversation with students about the use of AI in writing and provide guidance on how to use technology in a way that supports their development as writers. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where students feel invested in the writing process and are motivated to express their own ideas and opinions.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the transcript excerpt, the speaker discusses the use of chat GPT, artificial intelligence (AI), and bias in academia, specifically in the English Department. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the student-centered approach and recognizes that chat GPT can be biased based on the information it was fed. The speaker argues that it is important for instructors to use AI as a tool for teaching writing process and formulating ideas, but not just as a means to generate completed drafts. The use of AI can signal to students that the process of idea creation is more important than the final draft. The speaker suggests that this approach can help students to develop critical thinking skills and to recognize the limitations of AI. The speaker also notes that the use of chat GPT can improve innovation in higher education by forcing educators to reexamine their assignments, assessments and teaching methods.
• 00:45:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the use of AI in academia and its potential impact on critical thinking, ethics, and personal models for students. The speaker argues that AI can be used to help hone in on learning objectives that focus on critical thinking and that most students understand the importance of using AI properly. However, the speaker also raises concerns about the potential for students to become overly reliant on AI, leading to the possibility of teachers becoming obsolete. The speaker discusses the possibility of personal large language models attached to every student, which may have a cohesive impact on their academic and personal development but could also raise ethical concerns.
• 00:50:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the potential drawbacks of relying heavily on technology in education, particularly when it comes to the lack of human interaction. They note that while technology can be useful in certain contexts, it should not replace human connection and empathy. The speaker suggests that schools and educators should prioritize the importance of human connection and empathy in education, and not just rely solely on technology to address educational issues. The speaker also discussed the issue of students not being able to read at grade level and a misuse of technology in education. They did not express the belief that AI will completely replace teachers, but rather that it could be used as a tool to supplement human interaction and empathy in the classroom.
• 00:55:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the role of high-quality instructors in academia and the potential value of AI in the classroom. They argue that while AI can provide students with information, it is limited in its ability to connect with students on a human level and form meaningful relationships. The speaker also highlights how students may want to achieve a higher level of experience and engagement from their instructors, which is difficult to replicate through technology. They also touch upon the issue of the cost of AI systems, with the implication that it may make AI less accessible to all students regardless of socio-economic status. They conclude by asking the question of what makes a highly qualified instructor replaceable, and how AI can be leveraged to improve the teaching experience.