- Emerging studies depict that AI can change the way students approach research.
- Preparing graduate students for this shifting landscape is important.
- Amid this wave, universities, teachers, and graduates must unite to embrace and navigate the transformative power of AI.
Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology integrates with higher education seamlessly, revolutionizing how people grow and learn.
With his contagious enthusiasm and extensive expertise, Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO of the Commission for University Education (CUE), delves into the infinite possibilities that emerge when AI and graduate studies converge.
The conversation was during a webinar held by Amref International University (AMIU) recently, in which Prof. Kuria was the guest speaker.
It was more than just a scientific expedition, but an experience for transformation and innovation within the academic landscape.
Advancements in technology have always faced their fair share of skepticism and resistance.
He recognizes this pattern and draws parallels to the continuum of change brought about by AI, mainly, ChatGPT, and the historical resistance to technological breakthroughs.
His sentiments resonate deeply as we reflect on past instances when society hesitated to embrace new technologies.
Prof. Kuria shared an insightful perspective, humorously comparing the resistance to technological advancements to a joke from the past.
“When the Wright brothers first took to the skies, people boldly proclaimed they would never set foot in ‘that thing’, justifying their doubts with humorous reasoning like, “If God wanted us to fly, he would have given us wings,” he recalled.
With this witty analogy, Prof. Kuria highlighted the remarkable shifts in societal attitudes toward technology.
He emphasized how the once-unimaginable has become part of our everyday reality.
Of course, as you know, the idea of flying has become an integral part of our lives.
The notion of wings seems irrelevant and distant. With this in mind, it is essential to confront your reservations and embrace the transformative power of AI in advancing the quality of graduate studies.
Pros and cons
Prof. Kuria unveiled a world where students are not mere passengers on the academic journey, but instead, they have their personalized AI-powered mentors.
These mentors view it as trusty co-pilots, analyze each student’s weaknesses and strengths, and chart a personalized learning path that allows growth and mastery.
“In our time, for example, you had to go the library and look through to get the right information. Currently, AI gives you exactly what you need; it brings the information to you,” he says.
No longer do students get lost in a labyrinth of endless papers.
Conversely, the raid AI technology can lead to concerns about job displacement.
“Machine learning threatens to replace us teachers with different avatars. People may be afraid of what technology can do,” Prof Kuria pointed out.
However, he mentioned that preparing graduate students for this shifting landscape is important.
They should be equipped with skills that will allow them to excel in an AI-driven world.
Overrelying on AI may greatly undermine creativity and critical thinking.
He talks about the loss of human connection.
Reminiscing his time as a lecturer at Daystar University, he says, “It is not enough for you to score an A; you must also seem to be seen in class!
What you learn in the University is more than just the grade; you learn how to relate, connect and interact with people. AI could reduce that.”
Beyond impressive certificates
The question is not if but how we should welcome and use AI for teaching and learning.
“We do not have an option but to embrace AI, otherwise, we will be crushed,” Prof. Kuria reveals.
Artificial Intelligence in learning and teaching has arrived, and it’s here to stay!
The guest speaker shared a thought-provoking scenario—as AI revolutionalizes the educational landscape, the days of artificial learning and solely relying on impressive certificates are numbered.
In his analysis, he points out that AI is becoming more accessible, and everyone will be able to tap into its vast knowledge base.
How will you stand out from the crowd? Now dazzled by impressive certificates alone, employers will seek graduates who go beyond artificial learning and showcase what they can offer.
This intriguing paradigm will challenge the norm. Graduates who drive meaningful change and offer fresh perspectives and unique ways will thrive.
While AI may provide the foundation, the people who leverage their unique skills and creative prowess will truly captivate employers.
Empowering educational collaboration
Prof. Kuria emphasizes the importance of embracing AI as a powerful tool but also reminds you to nurture your passion, curiosity, and individuality.
It may level the playing field in terms of information access, but it is the human element that sets you apart.
He concludes that graduate education should be the most independent level of a student’s education.
Therefore AI should not be a threat, as you should be able to be fair, if not most, independent in learning and survive within or outside as an intellectual being.
“AI is as intelligent as the information you feed it. Always ask yourself, does it make sense or prove reliable,” he says.
What to do
Amid this wave, universities, teachers, and graduates must unite to embrace and navigate the transformative power of AI.
Prof. Kuria encourages graduates to unleash their creativity and critical thinking.
Teachers are key in preparing students for this era, fostering a passion and adaptability for lifelong learning.
Meanwhile, he urges universities to view AI as a powerful tool and integrate it into curricula while preserving education ethics.
Amidst this change, Artificial Intelligence use must not be forgotten, as biases are addressed, inclusive learning environments are nurtured, and data privacy is secured.
Teachers, graduates, and universities can seize the boundless opportunities.
One thing is abundantly clear regarding the intersection of AI and graduate studies—the future holds both unique challenges and immense opportunities.
Prof. Kuria gave insights that will guide everyone through a world where AI-driven advancements transform the education landscape.
He explored the potential for AI-guided career navigation, global collaboration, research assistance, and personalized learning.
Emerging studies depict that AI can change the way students approach research.
Imagine AI providing novel insights to fuel groundbreaking discoveries, uncover hidden patterns, and sift through data troves.
As we bid adieu to this captivating exploration, remember that the future of AI in graduate studies rests in your hands.
Embrace the frontier, where AI propels education through the collective intelligence of researchers, encouraging cross-disciplinary exchanges that ignite transformative breakthroughs and innovative ideas.
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You have the power to unlock the potential of the human intellect and unveil unprecedented insights and the boundaries of knowledge with Artificial Intelligence as a steadfast ally.
