Ohio State University Faculty Weigh Benefits and Concerns of New AI Education Initiative
The Ohio State University is launching a new initiative to make all 45,000+ undergraduate students proficient in using artificial intelligence by the time they graduate. Professors are cautiously optimistic about the program, recognizing both its potential benefits and challenges.
Starting in the fall semester, AI education will be integrated into every class, from computer science to agriculture. Students will not only learn to use AI tools but also the ethics surrounding their application. Ohio State President Walter ‘Ted’ Carter Jr. emphasized that AI is transforming various aspects of life and the future workforce, making it essential for students to be fluent in its use.
Art professor Chris Coleman supports teaching students how to use AI but is concerned about it becoming a ‘creative crutch.’ He is developing a class that explores creative uses of AI in art, such as generating images from song lyrics that can inspire new artistic works. Coleman stresses the importance of understanding where AI comes from and how to make informed decisions about its use.
Elizabeth Hewitt, chair of Ohio State’s English department, compares the current debate about AI in academics to the historical controversy over calculators in math education. She notes that while AI can be a valuable tool, there’s a risk of it being used to replace foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills. Hewitt is concerned that some AI advocates overstate its capabilities and potential to replace human creativity and thought.
The university aims to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ethical implications of AI. By doing so, Ohio State hopes to prepare its graduates to lead in a future where AI is increasingly prevalent in various industries.
As Coleman noted, ‘For me, the most important thing is that students understand where AI comes from, how it works and how to make smart decisions about whether or not to use it for everything that they’re doing in life.’ This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility and academic integrity.
