Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Classroom Learning at CU Boulder
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark on the classroom learning experience at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). AI tools like ChatGPT are already being integrated across various departments, shaping a new and innovative approach to education.
Professor Kirk Ambrose, the founder and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, believes AI can enhance critical thinking skills in a fascinating way. He envisions AI as a tool that can facilitate conversations, collaboration, and significantly advance student learning within and outside the classroom.
However, while there is immense potential in AI technology, caution must be exercised in how students are instructed to use it, warns Professor William Kuskin, Chair of the English department at CU Boulder. He acknowledges the danger of losing the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood entirely. Despite this concern, Kuskin believes AI can bring students closer to understanding the art of writing, nurturing their imagination, and prompting them to question their own thinking more effectively.
Associate Professor Kai Larsen, who has taught machine learning and business analytics at CU Boulder for 15 years, plans to incorporate AI into his fall class. Larsen finds that tools like ChatGPT can provide significant support to his students, particularly in answering technical questions quickly and effectively. AI’s 24/7 availability ensures convenience and flexibility for students, accommodating their schedules and preferences for study hours.
The English Department at CU Boulder is also exploring the integration of AI into learning and coursework. Associate Teaching Professor Teresa Nugent has proposed the creation of one to two credit courses on AI in writing, along with a potential certificate program for undergraduates. These courses would cover fundamental writing principles such as editing, grammar, and syntax, while discussing the role of AI in these aspects of writing.
Nugent emphasizes the ethical implications of AI, highlighting concerns about living authors being plagiarized by AI tools like ChatGPT. Educators also need to consider how the use of AI may unintentionally hinder classroom learning for students with disabilities.
Employing AI for educational purposes comes with its fair share of challenges, including labor-related questions and determining the most valuable use of students’ learning time. Ambrose believes that instructors need to have a clear understanding of where they want students to focus their efforts in their learning journey.
Katherine Eggert, senior vice provost and associate vice chancellor for academic planning and assessment, states that CU Boulder does not require an overarching policy on AI, as faculty members have the autonomy to incorporate AI into their curriculum and teaching methods as they see fit.
Regarding concerns about cheating and academic integrity, CU Boulder’s existing honor code already prohibits plagiarism, encompassing the use of AI-powered paper writing technologies like essay bots.
While acknowledging the potential for misuse among students, Professor Kuskin encourages them to experiment with AI tools and share their discoveries, fostering both curiosity and exploration.
The integration of AI into the classroom at CU Boulder raises thought-provoking questions about the future of education. It challenges conventional practices and prompts educators to explore new ways of enhancing the learning experience while mindful of the ethical considerations and potential risks associated with AI.
CU Boulder aims to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and promoting responsible usage. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of society, faculty and students must work together to navigate this new phenomenon and shape its role in education positively.
In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing classroom learning at CU Boulder, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for both faculty and students. The unfolding journey towards incorporating AI into the education system requires careful navigation, collaborative efforts, and a critical examination of the benefits and potential pitfalls that AI presents.
