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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational settings is fundamentally transforming the landscape of learning, prompting educators to rethink traditional teaching methodologies. Dan Richards, a prominent entrepreneur and award-winning marketing faculty member at the Rotman School of Management, explores how AI is reshaping the classroom experience for MBA students and beyond. The challenge lies in adapting to this technological evolution while ensuring educational integrity.
The Classroom Evolution
Historically, university education has adhered to a fairly static model: an instructor delivers lectures while students absorb the information through note-taking. However, AI has ushered in a new era that alters this dynamic. Students are now leveraging AI tools to engage in classroom discussions and complete assignments, sometimes relying heavily on technology to contribute to their learning experience.
For instance, when participation marks are introduced, students are quick to respond, not always out of genuine knowledge but often because they have consulted AI chatbots for answers. Similarly, when tasked with writing a comprehensive article or group project, many students turn to AI to condense information or even generate content, leading educators to reassess how they approach assessments and participation.
Integrating AI into Learning
Faced with this reality, educators have two primary paths: restrict the use of AI or embrace it as an integral part of the learning process. At Rotman, faculty members are encouraged to adopt the latter approach. Richards notes that embracing AI leads to three significant insights about its role in education.
AI as a Catalyst for Learning
Richards highlights the valuable experiences students gain when employing AI to tackle real-world business problems. In one course, students create customer personas to enhance their sales conversations, a task made significantly easier with AI tools. The feedback from students underscores that while course content is beneficial, the opportunity to apply AI in practical scenarios provides them with unparalleled learning experiences.
“The use of AI doesn’t replace learning; rather, it accelerates it,” he asserts. This assertion is echoed by the positive responses from students, who find that the hands-on experience of using AI to solve tangible problems enriches their educational journey.
Rapid Improvement and Collaboration
In his Effective Communication course, Richards has observed a remarkable evolution in AI’s capabilities over the past few years. Initially, the AI-generated responses to written exercises were often lacklustre, leading to amusement among students. Fast forward to today, and the AI’s outputs have significantly improved, often matching or even surpassing the average student submission.
In a unique twist, students now vote on the best responses, and for the first time last autumn, an AI-generated submission secured second place. This rapid improvement highlights the potential for AI to act as a collaborative partner in the educational sphere.
Working in Tandem with Technology
Richards draws on insights from Wharton’s Ethan Mollick, who advocates for a collaborative approach to AI. He has devised a three-step method for students to enhance their writing: drafting an initial version, using AI to improve it, and then comparing the two to select the best elements. This method not only preserves the student’s unique voice but also enhances the overall quality of their work.
The Responsibility of Educators
With the substantial momentum behind AI technologies, the imperative for educational institutions to adapt is undeniable. Educators must decide whether to view AI as a temporary challenge or to embrace it as a permanent fixture in the academic landscape. The latter approach not only prepares students for the realities of the modern workforce but also equips them with the skills to navigate ethical considerations surrounding technology use.
Why it Matters
The ongoing evolution of AI in education is more than a mere trend; it represents a pivotal moment in how knowledge is imparted and acquired. By recognising and harnessing the potential of AI, educators can foster a more dynamic and effective learning environment. This shift not only enhances academic outcomes but also prepares students for the complexities of a world increasingly dominated by technology. As business schools and universities adapt to these changes, the focus must remain on ethical and effective use of AI, ensuring that future leaders are well-equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
