AI in Education: Transforming Classrooms with Artificial Intelligence

AI in Education: Transforming Classrooms with Artificial Intelligence

In the bustling corridors of Towson University, a quiet revolution is taking place. This semester, artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into class syllabuses, marking a significant shift in how education is delivered and experienced. The change is spearheaded by Towson University's AI Task Force, established in August 2023, to guide faculty through the integration of AI in classrooms.

A New Era of Learning

The Faculty Academic Center of Excellence has empowered professors with sample texts to incorporate AI into their syllabuses. This initiative allows educators to tailor the involvement of generative AI in their courses, depending on their specific needs. For instance, in computer science classes, AI usage is not only common but encouraged. Conversely, in English 102 writing classes, the approach might be more conservative.

Samuel Collins, an Anthropology Professor and Task Force member, highlights the flexibility offered to faculty. "Clearly in the computer sciences, AI usage might be much more common and even encouraged in classes," he notes. "Whereas in, you know, some English 102 writing class, the opposite might be the case."

Experimentation and Adaptation

The Task Force's guidelines provide two main approaches: allowing some AI in class or none at all, with faculty discretion to decide. Since the initial recommendations, professors are now encouraged to specify AI's role in each assignment.

Collins himself has experimented with AI, using it as a brainstorming tool rather than a means to complete assignments. "Generative AI does a really bad job at anthropology," he admits, underscoring the importance of understanding AI's limitations.

Learning from Experience

Education Professor Liyan Song has also tested AI in her graduate courses. Her students discovered AI's strengths in gathering broad information and its weaknesses in providing deep knowledge on specific topics. Song now permits AI use in her classes, provided students share their interactions with the tool and reflect on its usefulness.

"I also asked them to write a reflection on the experience, to see how useful or not they have found the AI tool," Song explains, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with technology.

Preparing for the Future

Mass Communications Professor Sushma Kumble, an early adopter of AI policy, discusses AI's impact on the job market with her students. "AI does not need weekends," she points out, urging students to stay ahead by being smarter than AI and not relying on it to pass courses.

Key Takeaways

1. Flexibility in AI Integration: Educators can choose how much AI to incorporate into their syllabuses, allowing for tailored educational experiences.
2. Understanding AI's Limitations: Recognizing where AI excels and where it falls short is crucial for effective use.
3. Encouraging Critical Engagement: Students are encouraged to reflect on their interactions with AI, fostering a deeper understanding.
4. Preparing for a Changing Job Market: Discussions around AI's role in the workforce prepare students for future challenges.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in education will undoubtedly expand, offering new opportunities and challenges for both educators and students. By embracing this technology thoughtfully, we can enhance learning experiences and better prepare for the future.