As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT from OpenAI take the world by storm, universities are seeking ways to integrate, adapt, and harness their potential. Western University, a leading educational institution in Canada, has made a significant move in this direction by appointing Mark Daley as the first-ever Chief AI Officer, underscoring the transformational role of AI in post-secondary education.
A new frontier for higher education
Mark Daley, previously the Chief Digital Information Officer at Western University, expressed his astonishment when ChatGPT was first introduced. A renowned expert in artificial intelligence and neural computation research, Daley acknowledges the unparalleled rate of change AI is driving. “What we’re capable of doing with the technology we have now is a whole generation beyond what we could when we talked in January,” Daley remarked.
As Chief AI Officer, Daley is poised to pioneer an AI-forward approach at Western University. His responsibilities will encompass promoting the ethical use of AI technologies and actively engaging with students, staff, and faculty to address both aspirations and concerns related to AI.
AI in pedagogy: A tool, not a threat
Despite initial reservations, faculty members across Ontario’s universities are now experimenting with AI in their courses. The driving force behind this shift appears to be the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to harness the technology.
Joseph Wong, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, is among the early adopters. Wong incorporated ChatGPT into his global innovations seminar, requiring students to engage in a dialogue with the chatbot as part of their assignments. This innovative approach encourages students to critically analyze their responses and refine their arguments, fostering deeper engagement with the course material.
Guiding responsible AI use
With the rise of generative AI tools, students are often left in a quandary regarding their ethical use. Clare Bermingham, Director of the Writing and Communication Centre at the University of Waterloo, spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive guide to help students navigate these uncharted waters. This guide covers topics ranging from brainstorming to proper citation of AI interactions, ensuring students use these tools responsibly.
Addressing the skepticism surrounding new technologies, Bermingham drew a parallel to the introduction of Wikipedia, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking irrespective of the tools at one’s disposal.
AI-Powered teaching aids
The educational sector’s proactive approach to AI integration isn’t limited to university classrooms. Toronto Metropolitan University introduced “ProfBot”, an AI-powered teaching assistant developed by Sean Wise from the Ted Rogers School of Management. By integrating OpenAI’s capabilities, ProfBot enables students to test their knowledge and receive instantaneous feedback, proving invaluable especially during the critical pre-exam phase.
Future prospects
While the integration of AI in education is still in its nascent stages, early indications suggest a promising potential for enhancing the learning experience. Mark Daley’s appointment and the various AI-driven initiatives across Ontario’s universities underscore the collective drive to harness AI’s transformative capabilities optimally. As Daley aptly puts it, the current moment offers a plethora of opportunities for making informed decisions that will shape the future of education in an AI-driven world.
