What is AI?
Josh Tyrangiel, a Washington Post columnist who is one of today’s most prominent journalists covering AI, argues that the technology can serve as a powerful tool to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. He suggests that, when used thoughtfully, AI can boost human creativity, decision-making, and even empathy. AI's most transformational potential lies in its ability to handle routine tasks, freeing up time for us to invest in complex and meaningful work. To envision a world fully integrated with AI, we must first understand what AI is — or isn't.
Think about how you understand or would define AI. You might struggle to concisely articulate it and you're not alone. Many people reference platforms like ChatGPT, OpenAI, or GoogleAI, but these are merely examples, not definitions, of AI. The U.S. Department of State described AI in 2020 as a "machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments." However, definitions vary globally and even among researchers, reflecting the complexity and evolving nature of AI.
Broadly speaking, AI encompasses technologies from simple algorithms to advanced machine learning models that simulate human cognitive processes. Some see AI as the simulation of human intelligence in machines, while others view it as tools and techniques for solving specific problems. This definitional ambiguity likely contributes to the spectrum of AI fears that span a dystopian, human-less society to paranoia about privacy-invading devices already in our homes (“Alexa, are you spying on me?”).
Public perception of AI in the United States reflects a mix of optimism and concern. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 72 percent of Americans were worried about AI's potential misuse related to privacy invasion and job displacement, while 61 percent were optimistic about AI’s potential to improve various aspects of life. Similarly, a Brookings Institution study found enthusiasm for AI's potential in healthcare, citing advancements in diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment plans. But what about its impact in higher education? Can AI combat the current negative sentiment surrounding its presence on college and university campuses by enhancing student learning, closing equity gaps, and transforming the way students transition into the workforce?
AI in Higher Education
Early studies and pilot programs suggest AI can positively impact higher education by personalizing the college experience for diverse student needs. For example, Georgia State University has famously used an AI-powered chatbot named Pounce to interact with potential students via text, answering questions about financial aid and registration. This has reduced summer melt by 22 percent, a phenomenon that disproportionally affects low-income and first-generation college students.
The University of Texas at Arlington also employs AI-driven analytics to identify and support at-risk students, improving graduation rates for Black/African American and Hispanic students. Stanford's Graduate School of Education found that AI tutoring systems significantly enhance student learning outcomes by providing customized experiences. Arizona State University has been an early adopter of AI and is currently collaborating with OpenAI to enhance student learning, analyze student performance, and curate material based on individual need.
AI-powered feedback systems at the University of Georgia enhance student engagement and motivation by offering timely responses. At the University of California, Berkeley, AI software Gradescope grades assignments and provides feedback 90 percent faster than human graders, allowing for more efficient learning within courses. Beyond the classroom, AI is
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