Before we begin to talk about artificial intelligence and its implications, we must be clear about what we mean when we use the word “intelligence”. Are we talking about how much one knows about a certain field? Is it about how well one can make an argument against an opposing opinion? Or is it more about solving problems? Clearly, it is not just one, but a combination of these and other attributes. Whatever terminology you arrive at to accurately define intelligence, the pressing question today is: Can AI pull that off?
Rick Anderson, Director of Virtual Worlds at Rutgers, explains how the goal for educators is to be able to see AI as a tool to enhance learning experiences, rather than a wedge in teaching practice that needs to be removed. To achieve this, we must be aware of what AI is missing in terms of the human element of intelligence.
At the March 2023 RUOnline Conference, we had rich discussions around AI topics and how the new technological wave can be leveraged for teaching and learning. Ruha Benjamin, our keynote speaker, highlighted the problem of biased data, pointing out that ChatGPT and other natural language processing tools can only pull from the information that is fed to them by humans. Likewise, in “Integrating AI to Foster Engagement and Academic Rigor”, Rasheda Young and Rashida Scott Cruz talked about the damaging impact of racial and gender biases in AI tools. To use these tools effectively, they offer practical advice on how educators might take steps to use ChatGPT to foster critical thinking skills with their students. To watch these and other exciting presentations on AI, you can visit the RUOnline Youtube Channel.
If you have ideas or are curious about ways you can integrate AI into your teaching practice, you can contact Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) at TLT to help you explore your options.
We also encourage you to save the date for the 2024 Rutgers Online Learning Conference which includes a track focused on AI and Emerging Technologies.
Contributor: Richard Anderson, Director of Virtual Worlds, GRID
Editor: Amina Khan, Instructional Designer