Since ChatGPT was created in 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly become a topic of public interest and debate. So much so, that world leaders including Vice President JD Vance attended and spoke at an AI Action Summit in Paris on Feb. 10.
From a global scale to Sacred Heart University’s classrooms, AI has everybody talking.
Dr. Sidney Gottlieb, a professor in the School of Communication and Media, said that AI’s assistance for students depends on what you think of as the goals of “learning.” Fostering a device-free classroom, Gottlieb said AI can create barriers to learning.
“The kind of learning that I am primarily concerned with in my classes has to do with expanding what we know, not just what we have access to, and our ability to process and make use of that knowledge, not rely on external resources to do that for us,” said Gottlieb. “With this in mind, I see many ways of using AI as a distraction from an obstacle to developing human intelligence.”
Gottlieb is against the extensive use of AI. He said devices cause distraction and he wants his students to be present when learning. With AI being a new concept, the opinions on its uses vary from person to person.
“At my most optimistic, I think that traditional forms of teaching will survive in some places – stressing in-person interaction with teachers and aiming to pursue certain kinds of knowledge, skills, and experiences,” said Gottlieb. “But there is tremendous pressure to replace this way of teaching with ‘learning’ via screens and bots. I’m worried and sad about this!”
Source: Alex Pond, Staff Writer and Photographer
Source: Alex Pond, Staff Writer and Photographer
Robert McCloud, the Director of Technology Integration and a professor in the School of Computer Science and Engineering, said that AI is more than just a helpful tool and it can help with research in the medical field, specifically radiology. He added that it is important that companies use AI for good reason, and not solely as a way to make money.
“Another ethical challenge is to be sure that research goals are framed for the good of mankind… not just for profit,” said McCloud.
McCloud believes that AI will not reshape education, but it will provide access to powerful tools that encourage critical thinking.
“As educators, we need to adapt. We cannot be driven by fear,” said McCloud. “I don’t think anyone knows the future at this point. AI will be impactful. We are at the beginning.”
Junior Grace Calabria finds that AI poses many benefits.
“The thought of people taking advantage of that and using AI to be manipulative is always there, but in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the concerns so it does not make me nervous,” said Calabria.
Being a nursing student, Calabria said that she thinks the use of AI in medical fields will allow for new research and advancements. However, she understands the concern for other careers that could potentially be replaced by the use of AI.
“I don’t feel threatened, however, I can see how AI would cause concern for people whose jobs could later down the line be performed by a computer,” said Calabria. “As for healthcare, I believe AI is only going to further develop the world of healthcare and medicine and help to aid medical breakthroughs.”
Sophomore Sarina Paradiso said that AI will improve human ability, rather than take away potential careers, in the future. She believes that as AI grows, it will become more helpful than harmful.
“I think we shouldn’t shy away from AI in the classroom as it’s part of the next generation,” said Paradiso. “We instead should be taught how to use AI properly to help us in the classroom.”
