Students’ complicated relationship with AI: ‘It’s inherently going against what college is’


A student stands in a grand, traditional library, looking conflicted between two glowing holographic displays. To the left, a blue 'AI: EFFICIENCY' display shows data and code. To the right, an orange 'COLLEGE: UNDERSTANDING' display hovers over an open book and desk lamp. The image symbolizes the internal conflict students face regarding AI in academia. Generated by Nano Banana.
Navigating the academic world with new AI tools presents a complex dilemma for students. This image illustrates the tension between the efficiency offered by AI and the foundational pursuit of deep understanding inherent to college education. It captures the internal debate students face as technology challenges traditional learning. Image generated by and typos courtesy of Nano Banana.

Source

The Irish Times

Summary

Many students express tension between using generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and the traditional values of university education. Some avoid AI because they feel it undermines academic integrity or the effort they invested; others see benefit in using it for organising study, generating ideas, or off-loading mundane parts of coursework. Concerns include fairness (getting better grades for less effort), accuracy of chatbot-generated content, and environmental impact. Students also worry about loss of critical thinking and the changing nature of assignments as AI becomes more common. There is a call for clearer institutional guidelines, more awareness of policies, and equitable access and use.

Key Points

  • Using GenAI can feel like “offloading work,” conflicting with the idea of self-learning which many students believe defines college life.
  • Students worry about fairness: those who use AI may gain advantage over those who do not.
  • Accuracy is a concern: ChatGPT sometimes provides false information; students are aware of this risk.
  • Some students avoid using AI to avoid suspicion or accusation of cheating, even when not using it.
  • Others find helpful uses: organising references, creating study timetables, acting as a “second pair of eyes” or “study companion.”

Keywords

URL

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2025/09/20/students-complicated-relationship-with-ai-chatbots-its-inherently-going-against-what-college-is/

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


How AI could radically change schools by 2050


A futuristic classroom in a circular building with large windows overlooking a green city skyline. Students, wearing sleek uniforms and glasses, sit at round tables interacting with holographic projections of planets and data. A glowing blue humanoid AI figure stands at the front, seemingly teaching. The scene depicts a 'Global AI-Integrated Curriculum, 2050 AD,' showcasing radical educational changes. Generated by Nano Banana.
Envisioning the classroom of tomorrow, this image illustrates how AI could fundamentally transform education by 2050. From holographic learning environments to AI-driven instructors and personalized interactive experiences, schools may offer a radically integrated curriculum, preparing students for an ever-evolving world. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Harvard Gazette

Summary

Harvard thinkers Howard Gardner and Anthea Roberts envision a future in which AI reshapes education so fundamentally that many standard practices seem archaic by 2050. After a few years learning the basics (reading, writing, arithmetic, plus some coding), students may be guided more by coaches than lecturers. Gardner suggests that AI may render “disciplined”, “synthesising,” and “creative” kinds of cognitive work optional for humans, while human responsibility is likely to centre on ethics, respect, and interpersonal judgement. Roberts foresees graduates becoming directors of ensembles of AI, needing strong judgement and facility with AI tools. Critical concerns include preserving human agency, avoiding over-reliance, and ensuring deep thinking remains central.

Key Points

  • The current model of uniform schooling & assessment will seem outdated; education may move toward coaching and personalised paths.
  • After basics, humans may offload many cognitive tasks (discipline, synthesis, creativity) to AI, leaving ethics and humanity as core roles.
  • Students will need training not just in tools but strong faculties of judgement, editing, and leading AI systems.
  • Risk that AI could erode critical reasoning if educational design lets it replace thinking rather than support it.
  • The shift raises policy, pedagogical, and moral questions: how to assess, how long school should last, what trust & responsibility in AI-augmented education looks like.

Keywords

URL

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/09/how-ai-could-radically-change-schools-by-2050/

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


Embrace AI or Go Analog? Harvard Faculty Adapt to a New Normal


In a grand, traditional library setting, a female faculty member gestures towards a large glowing screen displaying AI data on the left, while a male faculty member examines a physical book with a magnifying glass on the right. Between them, a hovering question mark split in blue and orange signifies the choice between AI and traditional methods. The scene represents academics adapting to new technologies. Generated by Nano Banana.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education, faculty in esteemed institutions face a pivotal choice: embrace the analytical power of AI or champion traditional analogue learning. This image captures the dynamic tension and adaptation required as educators navigate this new normal. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

The Harvard Crimson

Summary

AI is now a widespread presence in Harvard classrooms, and faculty are increasingly accepting it as part of teaching rather than trying to ignore it. Around 80% of surveyed faculty reported seeing coursework they believed was AI-generated. Yet most aren’t confident in spotting it. In response, different pedagogical strategies are emerging: some instructors encourage responsible AI use (e.g. tutor chatbots, AI homework), others “AI-proof” their classes via in-person exams. Harvard’s Bok Center is providing support with AI-specific tools and workshops. While concerns persist (cheating, undermined learning), many believe that adjusting to AI and preparing students for its reality is the more sustainable path.

Key Points

  • Nearly 80% of Harvard faculty have seen student work they believe used AI.
  • Only ~14% of faculty feel very confident distinguishing AI-generated content.
  • Faculty responses vary: some embrace AI (homework/assistant tools), others shift to in-person exams to reduce risks.
  • The Bok Center helps instructors design AI-resilient assignments, tutor chatbots, and offers pedagogical support.
  • Some faculty worry that AI use might degrade deep learning, but many accept that AI is here to stay and practices must evolve.

Keywords

URL

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/9/19/AI-Shapes-Classroom-Embrace/

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


How AI can drive tailored learning


A smiling student wearing futuristic glasses interacts with a holographic display showing a 'Personalized Learning Path' with graphs and DNA-like structures. In the background, other students are engaged in a modern classroom setting, and a screen displays 'Cognitive Adaptation' with a brain icon. The image illustrates AI's role in individualized education. Generated by Nano Banana.
AI is revolutionising education by creating personalised learning paths that adapt to each student’s unique needs and pace. This image depicts a student engaging with an AI-driven interface, highlighting how technology can foster individualised growth and a more effective learning experience in modern classrooms. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Times Higher Education

Summary

In this piece, Andreas Rausch argues that generative AI (GenAI) should be integrated into business and higher education in ways that promote tailored learning without losing the human touch. He emphasises that AI can enhance problem-solving skills, adapt content to individual student needs, and help instructors personalise feedback. But Rausch warns that over-reliance on AI risks eroding essential skills such as creativity, ethical judgement, and interpersonal communication. The article calls for balance: using AI to support learning, not replace human instructors, and designing AI-augmented pedagogy that preserves reflective, human elements while enhancing flexibility and engagement.

Key Points

  • GenAI can help personalise content and feedback, making learning more adaptive to individual progress.
  • Focus on enhancing business students’ problem-solving skills rather than automating them away.
  • There is a risk that AI use, if unmanaged, may diminish human qualities like ethical judgement, reflection, and creativity.
  • Teachers’ role becomes even more important: guiding students through AI outputs, maintaining human connection in learning.
  • Institutional implementation should be thoughtful: adequate training, governance, and ensuring AI is a tool—not a crutch.

Keywords

URL

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/how-ai-can-drive-tailored-learning

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


AI has turned college exams into a ‘wicked problem’ with no obvious fix, researchers warn


In a vast, traditional exam hall filled with students taking tests on laptops, three concerned researchers stand in the foreground, looking up at a large, glowing holographic display. The display shows complex data and a central neon pink circle stating 'THE AI EXAM PROBLEM - NO OBVIOUS FIX'. The image highlights the profound challenge AI poses to the integrity of college examinations. Generated by Nano Banana.
The integration of AI has transformed college exams into a complex ‘wicked problem’ with no easy solutions, as educational researchers increasingly warn. This image visualises the dilemma, where traditional assessment methods clash with advanced AI tools, creating a challenging landscape for academic integrity and fair evaluation. Image generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Business Insider

Summary

A recent study from Deakin University warns that AI’s impact on university exams represents a “wicked problem” — one without a single clean solution. Educators are struggling to balance academic integrity, creative assessment, and workload. Some are experimenting with mixed approaches (e.g. AI-free vs AI-permitted assignments, oral exams, personalized prompts), but each introduces trade-offs: logistics, fairness, and staff burden. The study argues universities should abandon chasing one-size-fits-all fixes and instead adopt flexible, context-sensitive, iterative strategies that acknowledge complexity rather than resolve it once and for all.

Key Points

  • AI has made exam design and assessment much harder; there is no consensus among faculty about how to respond.
  • Trade-offs are everywhere: authenticity vs manageability, creativity vs scalability.
  • Some teachers offer AI-free and AI-allowed tasks; others try oral exams or reflective work—but all find challenges.
  • Assessment methods are being revised to make misuse harder, but costs (time, logistics, ethics) are substantial.
  • The “wicked problem” framing suggests there’s no perfect fix; success may lie in local experimentation and flexible policy rather than universal rules.

Keywords

URL

https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-college-exams-wicked-problem-no-clear-fix-researchers-warn-2025-9

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5