What students want to learn about AI part 3

Welcome to another edition of Digital Dominoes, where we explore the dynamic ways technology shapes our lives and futures. In this episode, Angeline Corvaglia is joined by ilkem Kayican Dipcin, an expert in English for academic purposes and academic skills at Sabancı University in Istanbul. We discuss students views on AI’s emerging role in education and its broader implications on societal norms and personal growth.

Understanding the Integration of AI in Education

Angeline kicks off the episode by summarizing the focus of the series, which centers on educating college students about generative AI and its societal impacts. Together with ilkem, they look at the results of a survey involving first-year university students, exploring how generative AI is used and perceived by learners today. This segment highlights AI’s dual role as both a tool for learning and a potential crutch that diminishes critical thinking.

Balancing AI Use and Critical Thinking

A recurrent theme in the episode is the necessity for balance when integrating AI into education. ilkem emphasizes that while AI can be supportive, allowing it to dominate educational processes could impair students’ ability to think critically and develop fundamental skills. The conversation stresses the importance of liberal arts skills in interacting with AI, illustrating how competencies like communication and critical thinking are paramount in the modern learning environment.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas with AI

The discussion moves towards ethical concerns surrounding AI, particularly in maintaining academic integrity. Ilkem talks about solutions that some educators are using, like traditional pen-and-paper exams to curb AI-facilitated cheating, underscoring the need for universities to craft clear AI policies. The dialogue underscores the importance of guiding students in responsibly using AI to enhance their education without sacrificing their autonomous learning abilities.

Fostering a Collaborative Approach with Students

Another insightful point raised is the value of including students in conversations about AI’s role in education. Ilkem tells us about her initiative involving students in research projects to explore AI’s effective integration into learning processes. This participative approach not only empowers students but also helps them develop negotiation skills crucial for future interactions with AI tools.

Encouraging Parental Engagement with AI

Angeline and Ilkem reflect on how parents can engage with AI technologies to better understand their impact on children. They advocate for shared learning experiences, suggesting that parents and children explore AI tools together to foster understanding and critical evaluation of information. This collaborative method can help parents navigate the digital world with their children, turning AI into a shared educational experience.

Envisioning the Future of Education with AI

The podcast wraps up with a forward-looking discussion, contemplating a future where education focuses more on understanding the ‘why’ behind learning rather than rote memorization. Both hosts argue for an education system that supports students in developing critical thinking and adaptability, skills increasingly vital as AI continues to evolve.

Conclusion: A Vision for AI in Education

In closing, Angeline and ilkem invite listeners to reconsider the traditional notions of knowledge and skills in the age of AI. This episode encourages educators, parents, and students to collaboratively navigate the complexities of AI in education, ensuring that it serves as a tool for empowerment and ethical engagement with technology. We hope this episode inspires you to think about AI’s potential to create a more thoughtful, inquisitive, and collaborative educational landscape.

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on how we can thoughtfully integrate technology into our learning and societal frameworks.

Episode 7: Students on Generative AI (Part 3)