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Impacts of AI on Higher Education
Student’s Name
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Course Name and Number
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Introduction
This article examines the future and how AI will impact college students and their
instructors. It should be acknowledged that AI has a considerable impact on the future of
academia. Higher learning has been a consequence of technological advancement. With the
growth of AI, there are new challenges and possibilities in education. The purpose of AI in
higher education is to change the core of institutions’ structure and management. With the
growth of AI, the nature of traditional university services has changed. This process
accelerates the whole operation through automation of operations in universities. Professors
can use the time they save from computerization more productively in areas such as lecture
preparation and student communication. The artificial intelligence also indicates defects in
the instruction given by the lecturer. Teaching chatbots can complement them perfectly in the
absence of human educators. AI has both bright and dark sides, but they are not mutually
isolated. Adopting AI in higher education institutions enhances learning. The learner is thus
helped by offering them a sample test, which eventually will enable them to overcome the
fear of falling short at every step. One of the negative outcomes is the loss of various
academic and technical posts in different institutions. In this paper, the researcher refers to
the existing literature to assess the implications of AI in higher education.
First Argument
Many other definitions of AI exist. Simply said, it is an automated system that can
reason, translate across dialects, diagnose illnesses, and do other cognitive tasks. Artificial
intelligence, or AI, is a technological program capable of completing activities
conventionally done by competent Homo sapiens. However, defining intelligence accurately
or exactly is rather challenging, and this definition relies heavily on defining what
intelligence is to aid with understanding AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a
recognized scientific field because of its role in developing machines that perform as
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expected and streamline otherwise laborious tasks (De Freitas et a., 2016). There are now
three major varieties of AI in use today. They are a rational, factual, and knowledgeable way
of thinking. There is great hope that AI will revolutionize the way we do business. It has
altered how higher education institutions organize their administrative support staff. Many
universities now include AI in their curricula after its introduction.
AI has gradually become increasingly present in practically any area that involves
human beings. It has also affected classroom instruction. Classrooms are just as valuable as
ever, if not more so, now that AI has improved education in many ways. When it comes to
helping pupils, AI is already acting as a tutor and giving them the best service possible. It has
an intelligent teaching system to evaluate a student's learning preferences. It is also great
since students may get lessons tailored to their needs. Personalization has also represented
AI. Due to students' varying degrees of understanding and application of the lessons, it is
challenging for a human instructor to give individualized approaches to learning and satisfy
each student's needs (Aithal & Aithal, 2016). Because of its efficiency in adjusting to new
circumstances, artificial intelligence has great potential as a teaching tool, allowing teachers
to tailor their lessons to each student's unique needs. Intelligent technology has also improved
grading at universities. This is, by far, the most tedious part of a teacher's job. It is also quite
demanding on the instructor's time and energy. There are more worthwhile uses for teachers'
time than just teaching. Artificial intelligence has allowed robots to improve to the point
where they can accurately grade tests. Abstracts in the form of essays are also available to
students using AI.
Opposing Argument
The substantial enrollment of students in colleges and universities and the heightened
financial burden on higher learning establishments have increased the requirement for
intelligent systems. The growing enrollment of learners in higher learning institutions has
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posed challenges in properly handling the large class sizes (Maseleno et al., 2018). This
phenomenon has led to several open courses that do not need in-person attendance. These
open enrollment programs do not require any particular admission criteria or fees. Students
may register for online classes, allowing students worldwide to attend these educational
programs. Universities have experienced a significant increase in global enrolment due to
their unique attributes. However, with the considerable growth in student enrollment, a
challenge has emerged in effectively addressing the diverse needs of these students, who hail
from various nations. Consequently, teachers are now faced with accommodating multiple
time zones while offering lessons to these scholars (Roscoe et al., 2018).
The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) was forced by the need to provide
adequate support to a large population of students, enabling them to attain desired results
through an agile educational experience. Various ethical inquiries about using and integrating
artificial intelligence revolve around the education domain and its associated principles. The
potential impact of artificial intelligence on educational ideals is a topic of much inquiry and
discussion. Specific ethical difficulties arise from the transfer of authority and the absence of
openness. A private entity is often responsible for the collection of data. The assessment of
charges about decisions must be conducted within the framework of sometimes opaque facts.
These corporations have a low responsibility in managing institutions (Diaz et al., 2015).
Transparency is a notable deficiency observed in most procedures involving artificial
intelligence applications within educational institutions. Artificial intelligence's complexity is
attributed to its internal processes' intricacies. The execution of these intricate operations is
beyond the capabilities of humans and can only be accomplished with the assistance of
computers. The presence of complicated processes inside the system has resulted in a
deficiency of transparency (Siau & Wang, 2018).
Discussion of the Arguments
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Artificial intelligence gains prominence in light of the necessity to forecast future
events. Given the absence of discernible indications, predicting the future remains elusive. By
utilizing the accessible materials, individuals might endeavor to replicate potential
occurrences. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates a constructive approach
due to its potential impact on the labor market and potential for polarization. However, it is
essential to acknowledge the numerous inherent benefits of AI, such as its capacity to
enhance skills and promote equitable chances (Al-Samarraie et al., 2018). Artificial
intelligence (AI) has been increasingly displacing human workers in several industries,
leading to a significant shift in the composition of policymakers inside institutions and
organizations. The potential for AI to change society is contingent upon its appropriate
application, much as how the transformative impact of electricity was only realized after the
development of essential components such as the light bulb and safe wiring. Given the
cognitive capabilities of AI, which encompass problem-solving, critical thinking, and
comprehension, it is imperative to explore the diverse applications of AI as a potent
educational tool in contemporary times.
The past context of computational intelligence may be categorized into three distinct
domains: logic-based, data-based, and knowledge-based approaches. Numerous philosophers,
researchers, and economists have offered commentary on the prospect of a forthcoming era in
which highly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) may supplant humans across various
domains within human existence. However, individuals' knowledge acquisition is contingent
upon their wants or requirements, which are intertwined with emotional elements. Artificial
intelligence (AI) is expected to have deficiencies in legislative and meta-cognitive skills. In
recent years, significant progress has been made in creating semiconductor chips utilized for
data storage in artificial intelligence. This advancement underscores the necessity for further
examination and assessment in this domain to ensure the sustainability of this industry. One
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potential approach to address this concern is the introduction of novel computing models, as
proposed by De Smet et al. (2016). The contemporary schooling system is crucial in instilling
competencies that drive individuals to engage in the economic domain. Consequently, it is
imperative to inquire about the potential reforms that artificial intelligence (AI) will bring in
reshaping worldwide educational statutes and job and career dynamics. These frameworks
also introduced a skill-biased and task-biased effect approach. Previous research has also
indicated that digital computerization has a skill-biased nature, whereby it operates without
requiring prior knowledge or formal education, relying instead on a narrow set of skills.
Higher education institutions can be subject to criticism for placing an additional strain
on professors, who are often tasked with mechanical duties that might be efficiently
performed by machines or computer-based programs (Robinson et al., 2016). Research has
indicated that the introduction of computerization and automation significantly impacts the
economic dimension of academic studies. In broad terms, it might be argued that preserving
past patterns in socio-economic transformations is not imperative. An econometric model is
advantageous and easily understandable as it facilitates the comprehension of current affairs
by considering historical data. Predicting future events can be simplified using recognized
artificial intelligence technologies, assuming no significant alterations occur. Nevertheless, it
may be argued that artificial intelligence has substantially transformed the prevailing
education system. One significant impact of the shift is the introduction of an initial
assessment for students, which serves as a valuable tool for identifying and comprehending
their areas of proficiency and areas needing improvement. Dyslexia, a prevalent condition
among kids, has historically received inadequate attention; nevertheless, recent advancements
in artificial intelligence have facilitated its early identification (Tongchai, 2016). Various
vital alterations have been implemented, akin to accumulating formative assessments. As a
result, the process of checking and storing homework has become more convenient while
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allowing for preserving its underlying attributes. It can currently be asserted that artificial
intelligence (AI) has both detrimental and beneficial effects on learning. Artificial
intelligence (AI) has gained significant prominence in policy discussions, prompting
institutions and agencies to consider its implementation. However, the lack of understanding
regarding the appropriate implementation procedures and associated drawbacks suggests that
this technology holds the potential for innovative solutions to longstanding issues (De Freitas
et al., 2015). There is a need for certain legislative reforms to increase artificial intelligence
(AI) and improve its accessibility. The benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher
education institutions appear to surpass the drawbacks.
Approach to Addressing the Dangers of Using AI In Higher Education
The article has established that implementing AI has resulted in various new
worries that everyone should be aware of (Chan & Zhou, 2023). Fears in educational settings
revolve around what modifications AI may cause to formulate evaluations and curricula,
disparities and generality in using these innovations, the transformation of teachers' roles, and
the shortage of technological resources for developing countries (Pelletier et al., 2022). As a
result of these worries, AI regulations in schools are looking to tackle a variety of topics,
including literacy lessons to mitigate disparities in the utilization of computer innovations;
fundamental principles of conventional approaches to instruction and study, like teacher-
student and student-student interactions; diversity and fairness in the use of AI innovations;
personal growth of educators to improve their expertise and assist them in transforming their
roles; and training in light of the widespread need to ready the populace for the introduction
of AI technologies across fields, the responsibilities of literacy and skill development are
taking on new significance (Chan, 2023).
The absence of convincing proof of applying AI technology has led to policy on AI
within schools being primarily abstract and implicit while highlighting many concerns to be
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addressed in the educational fields (Chan, 2023). Legislators see schooling primarily as a
means to an end—the cultivation of a skilled workforce and the cultivation of AI specialists.
In contrast to the instrumental importance of education in bolstering AI-ready labor and
educating more AI specialists, discussions on the use of AI for educational purposes are
virtually missing from policy negotiations. If this pattern persists, governments may miss the
boat on the revolutionary potential of AI for instructional purposes and fail to adequately
finance, control nicely, and examine the ethical consequences of AI in the classroom (Chan,
2023). The available literature fails to focus on AI research and academic oversight
sufficiently, and the wider community has a shallow grasp of AI's policy consequences.
Integrity is reaffirmed as a tactically reasonable foundation for future discussions.
Objection to the Chosen Approach
Adopting UNESCO guidelines is a great way to improve the above-mentioned
recommendations. Human rights protection, acquiring the knowledge, attitudes, and skills
essential for a prosperous future, and productive human-machine collaboration in all aspects
of life and professions are all fundamental tenets of the UNESCO structure for AI in
academia (Chan, 2023). The regulatory structure emphasizes human oversight of AI and
ensures that it is used to enhance educators' and students' capacities. As a bonus, the
framework encourages developers of AI software to create programs that adhere to standards
of ethics, transparency, non-discrimination, and auditability (Chan, 2023). The following
suggestions are from UNESCO's Artificial Intelligence and Education: Guidance for
Policymakers paperwork.
The first suggestion addresses cross-disciplinary planning and multi-sectorial
leadership. This suggests that several industries and academic fields should work together to
create AI and educational regulations. Ethical, fair, and inclusive implementation of AI in
colleges and universities is essential (Helen & Diane, 2023). This suggestion underlines the
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value of using AI in a fair and welcoming way to all students. This proposal indicates that
authorities should design an extensive plan for employing AI in different parts of education to
enable its effective implementation, including managing, teaching, learning, and evaluation.
Developing an evidence foundation, including pilot testing, tracking, and assessment, is
also essential. This suggestion emphasizes the need for pilot studies to test and evaluate the
application of AI in schools and establish its efficacy (Chan, 2023). For instance,
governments may support preliminary research into the effectiveness of AI-powered
technologies in specific classroom settings with targeted student demographics. For AI to be
helpful in higher education, it is necessary to encourage the development of local AI
advances with a focus on teaching. To better serve the demands of their constituents, this
proposal argues that legislators should promote the creation of local breakthroughs in AI for
education (Chan, 2023). Policymakers might, for instance, sponsor companies or research
institutes in their area that are creating artificial intelligence (AI) tools or apps tailored to the
educational requirements of their community.
Conclusion
This write-up has delved into the impact of AI on higher education, highlighting its
advantages and challenges. We've learned that AI is increasingly integrated into educational
institutions, transforming administrative processes, classroom instruction, and grading
systems. It offers personalized learning experiences, improves efficiency, and promises to
enhance education.
However, adopting AI in higher education raises concerns, including ethical dilemmas,
transparency issues, and potential job displacement. The discussion presented here
underscores the importance of carefully considering the implications of AI in education.
A critical-thinking-based approach is crucial when addressing these challenges and
opportunities. Critical thinkers should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of AI
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implementation, assess its impact on students and educators, and consider ethical and policy
implications.
To address these concerns, a suggested approach is to follow UNESCO guidelines for
AI in academia. This approach emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, ethical and
inclusive implementation, evidence-based decision-making, and the development of local AI
solutions tailored to educational needs. By adopting such an approach, higher education
institutions can harness the potential of AI while mitigating its risks and ensuring equitable
access to quality education.
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