The experts highlighted the transformative potential of AI technology in their respective academic domains. They also cautioned against allowing the novelty of AI to overshadow crucial discussions regarding its ethical applications.
The experts highlighted the transformative potential of AI technology in their respective academic domains. They also cautioned against allowing the novelty of AI to overshadow crucial discussions regarding its ethical applications.
Faculty members from the University of North Dakota emphasized the importance of establishing guidelines and best practices amidst the increasing optimism about utilizing artificial intelligence tools in higher education during a panel discussion this week.
During the panel discussion, which featured OpenAI President and ChatGPT co-creator Greg Brockman, the experts highlighted the transformative potential of AI technology in their respective academic domains. They also cautioned against allowing the novelty of AI to overshadow crucial discussions regarding its ethical applications.
“You cannot talk about the benefits without talking about the risks,” Brockman said.
Brockman emphasized the importance of considering the potential misuse of AI while discussing its remarkable possibilities. He stressed that as a society, we must carefully navigate the advancements in AI and anticipate challenges that may arise, acknowledging the need for thoughtful consideration and responsible decision-making.
In the discussion, faculty panelists from arts and humanities voiced more ethical concerns regarding AI’s impact in the classroom.
Mathematics and AI: A shifting landscape
On the other hand, professors from science and mathematics noted that their fields had already witnessed transformative shifts with tools like Wolfram Alpha, suggesting a familiarity with technological advancements and their implications.
Bryce Christopherson, an assistant professor of mathematics at UND, pointed out that while earlier technological advancements impacted their discipline, AI’s potential to generate proofs could significantly alter the field of mathematics.
“But I think it will start to change the discipline of mathematics as these things begin to write proofs… I think it will be a confusing line we have to grapple with and I don’t know how we will,” he said.
Generative AI in legal databases
The panelists acknowledged that generative AI has the potential to revolutionize various fields of study. For instance, LexisNexis, a prominent legal database, intends to incorporate generative AI into its services.
This integration will facilitate the creation of cited memos and briefs, enhancing efficiency for lawyers, according to Carolyn Williams, a professor at UND’s School of Law.
When considering the adjustments educators will need to make to embrace the opportunities presented by AI, certain faculty panelists proposed a reevaluation of how they teach students to write. Additionally, they discussed the possibility of employing AI for assessing students’ work.
“I would hesitate to give feedback to students by running it through something like ChatGPT and running it through generative AI,” Williams said.
She also emphasized the personal and nuanced aspect of understanding students’ struggles as an educator, expressing a reluctance to utilize generative AI to provide feedback in a manner that may not capture this personalized understanding.
“I think, right now, if a student was going to write a paper, I think generative AI and ChatGPT are very good at mediocrity,” said Emily Cherry Oliver, Department Chair of Theater Arts at UND.
Anticipating AI’s evolution, future capabilities
Oliver emphasized the evolving nature of AI capabilities, suggesting that while AI may currently produce mediocre results, its potential may significantly improve in the near future.
Brockman highlighted the growing need for an international organization to foster cross-governmental collaboration and establish best practices for artificial general intelligence tools.
Drawing a parallel with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s role in advocating for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he emphasized that governments are increasingly receptive to these discussions.
