Artificial intelligence (AI) often evokes negative sentiments
on college campuses, with many arguing that this
technology is diluting the intellectual rigor of higher
education. Headlines frequently link AI to academic
dishonesty, portraying tools like ChatGPT as culprits in
the decline of creativity, critical thinking, and fundamental
writing skills. Some even express extreme concerns that AI might infiltrate educational systems to the point of displacing most human interaction with impersonal machine-based learning. While these alarming possibilities are cause for concern if they become our reality, what concrete evidence supports this terrorizing prediction? To date, the fears of a machine-run society seem to stem more from our limitless “what if?” imaginations and the pessimistic forecasts of an unknown future rather than from any substantive evidence to suggest humanity’s welfare will be compromised.
Our reactions as educators to AI may feel new and overwhelming, but they are hardly unprecedented. Human nature tends to be both fascinated and skeptical of transformative technologies. Consider early societal reactions to the television, cable TV, video games, email, smartphones, social media, and tablet devices. Yes, unchecked technological disruptions can have consequences for our physical, emotional, and psychological health, but history shows that we have consistently managed to humanize technology to enhance our existence rather than lead to our demise.
Above:
Kevin Gin
Photo left by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
Kevin Gin, Ph.d.
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