How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Educators Create a More Engaging Learning Experience

…computers can certainly help us with all of the administrative stupid stuff we need to do…but no robot can tell when a student just needs a hug.

By Giselle Castaneda and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform many aspects of our lives, including education. Articles are circulating currently talking about how AI can (and eventually will) replace professors and serve as the primary conduit of knowledge to pupils moving forward with varying timelines — some calling for this shift as soon as Fall. It is certainly an exciting time to be alive with all of the automation available at our finger tips. We can order a cheeseburger without talking to anyone. We can get a prescription refilled without talking to anyone. We can even schedule entire vacations without having to speak with another living human being. We must emphasize now that these are all tasks. College professors provide experiences. While AI can augment and enhance the learning experience, completely replacing college professors is a complex and debated topic. What we feel is the more important discussion that is not being had is how can professors (and all members of the academic community) leverage this new tool (re: AI) to improve the learning experiences of their…