Evans highlights the role of artificial intelligence beyond academic settings, particularly for university students navigating life away from home. These individuals often find themselves managing various responsibilities, such as meal planning and other logistical challenges.
Embracing Continuous Learning
“One of the biggest things you hear everywhere is, ‘never stop learning; always be learning something new,’” Evans notes. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring the skill of learning itself, especially as technology undergoes rapid transformation. “There’s value in learning how to learn and how to constantly grow with these new tools, because we’re on the precipice and seeing this major change with technology.”
Guidelines for Integrating AI in Education
When it comes to utilizing AI in academic work, both Evans and Hall urge caution. They advise against using AI to complete assignments, as the generated content may lack the unique voice and style that students should express. “We view AI as a co-creator or referential tool,” Hall explains. “Don’t cheat yourself out of the learning journey.”
Evans suggests that students first learn how to perform a task independently before seeking AI assistance. This approach ensures that they can critically evaluate the accuracy and quality of the final output.
“Trust but verify,” they both assert. Tools like Copilot, which provide sources and citations alongside their answers, can aid in verifying information. “At the end of the day, I’m the one who needs to make sure the information in my presentation is right,” Evans states. “And I need to learn these lessons before I get to the corporate world.”
Collaborative Conversations About AI
Engaging in discussions with peers about the use of AI is also crucial, according to Evans. Students may have varying levels of comfort when it comes to incorporating AI into group projects, making open dialogue essential.
As technology evolves, so too will the ways in which students utilize AI in their educational experiences. “Next semester my answers could change,” Evans remarks, reflecting the dynamic nature of learning and adaptation in an ever-changing technological landscape.
Photos:
- Aren Uzun at Meadow Park Elementary School in Irvine, California (photo by Earnie Grafton)
- Ava Gerlach (photo courtesy of Holly Gerlach)
- Isabelle Armstrong (photo courtesy of Armstrong)
- James Evans (photo courtesy of Evans)
