The Future of AI in College

BY JOLEE SKINNER / Managing Editor

Tarleton State University addresses the use of AI in school for the first time this fall. Tarleton advised the professors at the university to create their own policies regarding the use of AI in the classroom. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is sweeping the United States right now. The conversation around AI has been a futuristic talking point, until now. 

AI became common with virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. But now, AI has grown into more. Apps like ChatGPT and Lensa have become a sensation amongst Millennials and Gen-Z. But over the last year, a problem has been brewing over AI in higher education. 

In May of this year alone, Intelligent.com surveyed more than 1,000 college students and found one-third have used ChatGPT for schoolwork. 

Many professors have stated in their syllabus that AI can be used in some areas like research or coming up with ideas. But it cannot be used to do assignments for the students. 

One professor who had to put a policy statement about AI was Kirk Wise. 

Wise is an instructor in the department of communications. Wise said he hadn’t ever allowed the use of AI in the classroom. 

“I don’t have much writing (in class) but it’s fine to me if you want to use it to start the engine, get the research, get your mind going,” Wise said. “Hopefully, it is used as a good tool, but not to take the place for learning.”

AI has also been a hot topic for students at Tarleton. Shaylin Carter is a video game design major and has some thoughts about AI use especially when it comes to her major. 

“I’m nervous for what’s to come with it as for my major with art and computer science,” Carter said. “I could potentially take up our future careers as it’s doing what we are currently learning.” 

AI will continue to play a part in higher education and will be interesting to see how it plays a part in higher education.