A History Professor Says AI Did Not Break College; It Exposed How Broken It Already Was


A dramatic, conceptual image showing a crumbling, old-fashioned column (representing "Traditional College Structure") with cracks widening as digital light and AI code seep into the fissures, emphasizing that AI revealed existing weaknesses rather than caused the damage. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
Unmasking the flaws: A history professor’s perspective suggesting that AI merely shone a light on the structural vulnerabilities and existing problems within higher education, rather than being the sole source of disruption. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

Business Insider

Summary

This article features a U.S. history professor who argues that generative AI did not cause the crisis currently unfolding in higher education but instead revealed long-standing structural flaws. According to the professor, AI has exposed weaknesses in assessment design, unclear expectations placed on students and unsustainable workloads carried by academic staff. The sudden visibility of AI-generated essays and assignments has forced institutions to confront the limitations of traditional assessment models that rely heavily on polished written output rather than demonstrated cognitive processes. The professor notes that AI has unintentionally highlighted inequities in student preparation, inconsistencies in grading norms and the mismatch between institutional rhetoric and actual resourcing. Rather than attempting to suppress AI, the article argues that higher education should treat this moment as an opportunity to redesign curricula, diversify assessments and rethink the broader purpose of university education. The piece positions AI as a catalyst for long-overdue reform, emphasising that genuine improvement will require institutions to invest in pedagogical redesign, staff support and clearer communication around learning outcomes.

Key Points

  • AI highlighted systemic weaknesses already present in higher education
  • Exposed flaws in assessment design and grading expectations
  • Revealed pressures on overworked teaching staff
  • Suggests AI could drive constructive reform
  • Encourages rethinking pedagogy and institutional priorities

Keywords

URL

https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-didnt-break-college-it-exposed-broken-system-professor-2025-11

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5.1