The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors, including education. At Georgia College & State University (GCSU), a group of faculty members, known as the AI Champions, are at the forefront of integrating AI into the academic landscape. We had the opportunity to interview several of these champions, including Dr. Emily Pucker (Assistant Professor, Department of English), Dr. Ward Risvold (Assistant Professor, Department of Information Systems and Computer Science; Director, AI Lab), Dr. Bailey McAlister (Lecturer, Department of English), Dr. Roberto Leon (Assistant Professor, Department of English), Dr. Joy Bracewell (Assistant Professor, Department of English; Director, Writing Center), and Dr. Cynthia Alby (Professor, Department of Teacher Education). As we conclude our series on the integration of AI in higher education at GCSU, we consider the broader impact and future potential of AI in the academic landscape. The AI Champions we’ve interviewed have provided a comprehensive view of the complexities and opportunities for AI in education.
Impact on Higher Education
When discussing the impact of AI on higher education, the faculty members noted significant changes at both individual and institutional levels. Dr. Pucker observed that while AI tools like ChatGPT can help organize thoughts and overcome writer's block, there are concerns about overreliance and the loss of human touch in activities. Dr. Risvold mentioned the potential for AI to streamline administrative processes, reducing the burden on faculty and allowing them to focus more on teaching and research. He also highlighted how AI can support critical thinking and ethical writing by prompting students to consider multiple perspectives and refine their arguments.
Dr. McAlister shared that AI can provide students with personalized learning experiences, catering to their unique learning preferences and pacing. This, in turn, can lead to improved academic performance and higher retention rates. Dr. Leon emphasized the importance of preparing students with critical AI literacy.
Dr. Bracewell saw AI as democratizing opportunities for individuals, making higher-order writing concerns more accessible while AI handles basic skills like grammar and punctuation. She highlighted the need for integrating AI in a way that enhances human capabilities and fosters critical engagement with technology.
Dr. Alby envisioned AI revolutionizing education through virtual classrooms and personalized learning, but stresses the importance of active engagement, ethical standards, and human oversight to ensure these technologies are used effectively and equitably.
Hopes for AI's Future
The faculty members expressed their hopes for AI's future in education. Dr. Bracewell saw a future where AI helps create more inclusive and accessible learning environments, breaking down barriers to education. Dr. Alby hoped that AI will be leveraged to foster critical thinking and creativity, rather than just automating tasks. She has advocated for a balanced approach that combines the strengths of AI with human ingenuity.
Dr. Risvold believed that AI could make educators more agile and creative, allowing for continuous improvement in teaching methods. He also saw AI as a tool for personal growth, helping individuals to question biases, evaluate logic, and focus on the needs of others in their writing.
Dr. Leon continued to advocate for thoughtful approaches to AI which take into account ethical considerations outside of the classroom. He saw AI as an opportunity to reconsider what writing, collaborating, and learning mean to us.
Dr. McAlister is committed to ethical engagement with AI, emphasizing that the journey with AI is not just about integrating a new tool into the classroom but about preparing for a future where AI plays a significant role in shaping how we learn, communicate, and connect. She is excited about the possibilities AI holds for enhancing our capacities to communicate, understand, and connect with the world around us.
Conclusion
This series of articles have highlighted the transformative journey of integrating AI into higher education at GCSU, led by a dedicated group of faculty members known as the AI Champions. From exploring the initial sparks of interest and the diverse motivations behind adopting AI, to examining the challenges and opportunities, these faculty members have provided a comprehensive overview of AI's impact on education.
Dr. Pucker, Dr. Risvold, Dr. McAlister, Dr. Leon, Dr. Bracewell, and Dr. Alby have shared their unique insights and experiences, reflecting a collective commitment to leveraging AI thoughtfully and ethically. They have addressed concerns such as the steep learning curve, ethical implications, data privacy, and the importance of maintaining the human touch in educational activities.
Looking ahead, these faculty members expressed hopes for a future where AI fosters critical thinking, creativity, and inclusive learning environments. They envision AI as a tool that complements human ingenuity, enhances personalized learning experiences, and prepares students for an AI-driven world. The key takeaway is the importance of active engagement, ethical standards, and human oversight in ensuring the effective and equitable use of AI in education.
As we conclude this series, these GCSU faculty are clearly leading the way in demonstrating how AI can be harnessed to create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective educational environment. The next steps involve continuing these conversations, sharing knowledge and strategies, and collaboratively navigating the evolving landscape of AI in higher education. By embracing AI thoughtfully, educators can enhance teaching and learning experiences, better preparing students for the future.
