By Dr. Jose Otero
Did you ever think about this…
Today, the story of our technological evolution can no longer be explained or associated with a specific decade. In fact, new Artificial Intelligence breakthroughs start to weave themselves more prominently within 3-5 years. We are witnessing the inception of an AI-influenced future. Inconceivable that educational institutions must now prepare to function as the guardians of an ethical and transformative journey; yet here we are.
AI technology is quickly reshaping all disciplines in several industries. From healthcare to finance, and entertainment to education, changes are imminent. In universities, AI can predict student success, personalize learning experiences, and even streamline administrative tasks. The question is not whether we should integrate AI, the real question is can we ethically fight our human instinct to compete no matter the costs. Can we negotiate rules with our competitors to stay within the lines of common integrity.
The Argument
Fact: The traditional curriculum must evolve with the current times in order for it to be useful to our students. Also Fact, by the time we design a program and get it approved, some components might be outdated. While we continue to teach foundational subjects, we must embed AI literacy across disciplines. This is not just for computer science majors; Why? Because AI will touch every profession. Research is the most essential element of any societal progression. It answers the questions of “How do we…, Can we…, Should we…, and the scariest, How did this happen…)
Years ago, we learned to conduct research through “time evaluated” techniques. In as little as one decade ago, in most cases it was impossible to deny that the research cannot go further, in fact it was often just a foundation for more research. With advanced technology, outcomes of current research have changed to extremely conclusive (never an absolute as we know). However, we agree that the empirical evidence today “packs a different punch” entirely.
Ethics In AI – The moral dilemma
If we fail to incorporate ethics courses on AI , it will ensure that students will ignore the moral implications of their work. This means that Universities must once again step up and become the moral compass.
An engineer creating an AI system must understand the potential biases and societal impacts. A biologist using AI in research must comprehend the ethical considerations. This will be a very difficult time in our existence as we will no longer be asking can we do it? Instead we will have to ask should we do it?
Compelled versus Compelling
While collaboration between industry and education was always a compelling idea, it has not ramped up as well as we hoped. In order for Universities to survive today, they must foster interdisciplinary collaboration (Everyone knows this). This is not to say that industry does not need collaboration with education. In fact, they depend on it. In a workforce meeting I attended in 2009; I sat both agency representatives down to a fact-finding discussion.
I learned they do not speak the same language and eventually tired of discussion. Experienced in the principles and mission of both agencies, I understood each perspective as they saw the offer as compelling but not necessary. However, today they are compelled as now there is a third force to contend with AI.
AI thrives on diverse inputs, and the most groundbreaking innovations often come from the intersection of fields. Imagine what happens when a Business Professor collaborates with a Nurse, or a Psychologist collaborates with an AI ethicist. We need to break down the silos that traditionally separate disciplines.
Forging partnerships with industry and providing students with real-world experiences should be at the top of everyone’s list. Internships, Externships, Clinical Practice, Co-Op programs, and collaborative projects can quickly close the gap between the classroom and the professional world. By working on actual industry problems, students gain valuable insights and skills that textbooks alone cannot offer.
Rethinking our Universities
Universities are the breeding grounds for research and innovation. By investing in AI research, institutions can drive forward the technology while also considering its societal implications. We must support innovative research that not only pushes the boundaries of AI capabilities but also addresses ethical, legal, and social concerns.
The pace of AI development also means that learning does not stop at graduation. Universities must offer lifelong learning opportunities, helping alumni stay current with AI advancements. This could be through online courses, workshops, and seminars tailored for professionals.
Our Charge
An AI-driven future is not a challenge for tomorrow’s generation; it is the task at hand! Universities must lead this charge, creating an environment where AI can thrive responsibly and ethically. By educating, collaborating, and innovating, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for enhancing the “human condition” and solving the world's greatest challenges.
Preparing for an AI future requires the right infrastructure. This means investing in state-of-the-art labs, computational resources, and AI tools. But it also means ensuring that faculty and students have access to continuous learning opportunities. The AI field is rapidly evolving; our educational practices must keep pace.
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