By: Faith Yoho

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic in education for quite some time, but despite common fears it can be beneficial in the classroom. 

AI is something that can be seen as controversial, particularly when it comes to its usage within education. However there are several ways that AI can be used to assist, and further, students’ learning, without being a tool for students to cheat.

For example, the popular AI platform, ChatGPT, has been a major source of contention. However, it has many beneficial features. Students can use ChatGPT to summarize readings, create a study plan, or have certain concepts explained to them in ways they may more easily understand.  

Personally, I have used ChatGPT to create a weekly reading schedule for my classes. As a communication major, and a student in the MBA program, I sometimes have a large amount of reading to complete (which can get overwhelming quickly). To combat this stress, and properly organize my time, I will tell ChatGPT what readings I have, what classes they are for, and when they are due, and then it will generate a reading schedule for me that prioritizes the deadlines of each reading. I am a visual person, so having a written schedule that I can see, helps my organization. 

This semester, Dr. Alexis De Coning, has been incorporating AI into her curriculum. 

Elisha Taylor, a junior communication major in several of Dr. De Coning’s classes, says, “I think this [using AI] has positively affected my learning. It has allowed me to look deeper, and consider questions that I wouldn’t have thought of without using AI.”

“I think professors should implement more AI into their curriculum, because it is part of evolving technology, and students are using it. They should encourage and teach student to use it effectively,” Taylor said. 

Nora Carroll, a sophomore who also is enrolled in Dr. De Coning’s classes shared, “I have seen benefits in my grades, from reading quizzes the most. Not everyone learns well from reading, but having AI help break down the reading and ask questions to check your understanding, has been helpful with comprehending information.”

“I think AI has positively impacted my learning. It is a great studying tool, which definitely benefits my grades, and as someone who isn’t a strong reader, it helps me understand my assigned readings better,” Carroll said. 

There are many facets of AI that have not been explored yet, and it will be interesting to see how it affects the curriculum on our campus, as well as education as a whole. 

Photo: Screenshot of ChatGPT page, credit: Faith Yoho