Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of higher education, with many educators now advocating for its integration into academic practices. Once viewed with skepticism, AI tools are increasingly seen as valuable resources that can enhance learning outcomes when employed appropriately.
In a November interview, Adegboyega Ojo, a professor and Canada Research Chair in Governance and AI at Carleton University, emphasized the positive developments AI offers to students. He pointed to tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Perplexity AI as effective means for breaking down complex topics that students may find challenging. Traditionally, students would seek assistance from professors or teaching assistants, which can be time-consuming. With AI, they now have immediate access to resources that provide support in understanding difficult concepts.
More universities are beginning to allow students to utilize AI for writing assistance, focusing on editorial and spelling suggestions rather than generating text. Ojo highlighted that this approach has resulted in improved writing quality, particularly among non-native English speakers.
While the educational sector has generally warmed to AI, its introduction was met with significant apprehension. Following the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, universities faced the challenge of verifying student work’s authenticity. This led to a rush in updating academic integrity policies, as concerns arose over whether instructors were genuinely evaluating students’ submissions. Ojo noted that initial fears have subsided, with both students and educators adapting to AI’s presence in academic settings. He described the results as a “mixed bag,” but acknowledged the new tools available to educators.
According to the 2024 Pan-Canadian Report on Digital Learning, the percentage of educators using generative AI in student learning activities surged to 41 percent last year, a notable increase from 12 percent in 2023. Some institutions have been leveraging AI for years. For example, in 2016, Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana used a machine learning algorithm to analyze online behavior patterns, identifying 16,000 students at risk of failing early in the semester. The college’s outreach efforts led to the largest drop in D and F grades in 50 years.
In Spain, the University of Murcia implemented a chatbot in 2018 to assist new students with inquiries. This AI system accurately answered over 90 percent of questions, operating beyond traditional office hours and allowing support staff to focus on more critical tasks.
As AI technology continues to advance, Ojo noted that many initial concerns, such as “hallucinations”—instances where AI generates false or misleading information—are being addressed. “We have much better tools today compared to where we started two or three years ago,” he stated, acknowledging the ongoing improvements in AI reliability.
The impact of AI on university campuses is exemplified by Mark Daley, appointed as Western University’s first chief AI officer in 2023. He described AI as a transformative force in education, influencing teaching methods, learning experiences, and research approaches. “AI changes everything,” he remarked, highlighting its potential for one-on-one tutoring and round-the-clock availability, even if it is not yet flawless.
Students have mixed reactions to AI’s expanding role in academia. While some view it as an empowering technology that enhances learning, others express caution regarding its ethical implications, including concerns about environmental impacts and the sources of training data. “There is a variety of positions among students,” Daley noted, with some excited and others apprehensive about AI’s integration into their educational experience.
The advent of AI has also sparked discussions about the fundamental nature of post-secondary education. As information becomes more accessible online, there is a growing belief that traditional educational structures may need to adapt. Ojo emphasized that education encompasses more than just information retention; it involves social interaction and collaboration among students.
Daley echoed this sentiment, reminding us that universities have successfully navigated past technological revolutions, such as the advent of the internet and the printing press. “Universities have persisted in our society for over a millennium because they serve a critical social function beyond just skill acquisition,” he explained. “The core of the university is humanistic inquiry, encouraging young people to engage with one another in meaningful ways.”
As AI continues to evolve, both challenges and opportunities will shape the educational landscape. Adapting to these changes will require a concerted effort from educators, administrators, and students alike to harness the potential of AI while preserving the essential social aspects of learning.