AI in Academics: A New Era of Learning
AI has significantly revolutionized education and learning by providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Platforms like ChatGPT, Coursera, and other AI-powered tutoring systems analyze student performance and suggest tailored content, enhancing self-paced learning. Automated grading systems enable educators to focus on student engagement rather than administrative tasks.
However, AI in academics, too, raises concerns about plagiarism and academic dishonesty. With tools capable of generating essays and solving complex equations, institutions must develop AI-aware assessment techniques to ensure students genuinely engage with the material. Educators now emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorization, ensuring AI is used as a complement rather than a replacement for learning.
Dr. Janat Blackmon, Director of Academics at the Asian College of Teachers, spoke to us elaborating on the transition and sharing insights that would give you a detailed picture of the transformation.
AED: How do you think AI is transforming traditional learning methods in higher education?
Dr. Blackmon: AI is rapidly changing how we learn in higher education and around our world at all levels of education. I think that it will completely transform our world; AI is a tool of our time. There are several areas that will be transformed in “traditional” learning methods in higher education, I think. The amount of data and research that can be utilized and created now is incredible. This alone will transform education and we all have to adapt. Some of the things that will be transformed are efficiency and effectiveness. For those who embrace and learn AI tools, they can do so much more with their time, and as long as they have developed critical thinking skills, and communication skills, and being critical consumers AND creators of information - they will advance and find great success. The advantages of efficiency are the amount of research and data that can be analyzed and utilized, and it is exponential. The effectiveness of systems will improve - personalized adaptive learning, empowering students to use their unique skills and strengths to realize their potential, that will be an incredible transformation, because all students have a great potential. A lot of times this potential is stifled by education systems that are outdated and geared towards the industrial age instead of our current digital post-information age. We must transform all of our education systems to serve our students and provide them with the skills to thrive and succeed in their lives.
Our time now is a time of complex and rapid global change - higher education must be focused on innovation, adapting and evolving, personalization, authentic task orientation, creativity, critical consumers of information, complex problem-solving and analysis to critically create, mentoring, collaboration, authentic assessments, portfolios, and individual interests and strengths.
AI can support students with metacognition, which will increase learning and motivation by helping to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, set goals, monitor and adjust, and use their neurolearning styles to create real-time adaptive learning experiences.
Increasing the metacognition in all we are doing in education is key to empower students in this digital post-information age. They must be critical consumers and critical creators of the information with the thinking and analysis skills required to work effectively with the vast quantity of information to ensure quality. AI can also provide adaptive tutoring to students who may need extra help and have difficulty understanding a concept. I myself was reluctant to ask for help in Biomechanics and Human Physiology and would often seek ways of researching on my own so that my instructor wouldn’t know I had a bit of a preparation gap in math and physics from my high school days and courses caused by moving high schools because of my parents divorce. In the course of a year and a half, I attended four different high schools, so my grade 11 and 12 learning was greatly impacted by that. My learning was also impacted by two very traumatic events that happened during that time. I had some pretty major math gaps because of this. I was able to close that gap myself through dedication to learning it and finding the answers, I occasionally went for tutoring, but most often would find a way to work it out by myself. I ended up actually getting an A on my Biomechanics final project with a great effort for learning the necessary math and physics! Now, because of technology and AI, tutoring is instantly accessible in real time for students, no matter how complex the concepts, maths, or topics. Along with tutoring, AI can help students prepare and learn by simulating debates on complex topics, challenging students to think critically and articulate their arguments effectively, helping with deeper learning. Imagine practicing a debate against an AI that can argue from any perspective. This would be incredibly valuable in helping each student reach their full potential by being able to access exactly what they need to support their learning.
AI can also transform all facets of faculty administration work, making it more efficient and effective, which is critical to higher education where class sizes can be substantial. AI can help to automate tasks such as creating learning experiences, giving real time feedback on work, grading assignments, and answering student questions, freeing up instructors' time to focus on teaching and connecting with students and on further research. While most faculty members in higher education may not have a pedagogical background, AI can transform their ability to offer highly effective courses for university students.
Another area that can transform education is enhanced accessibility for all learners. Education is a right, not something to be reserved for certain students. AI can make education more accessible to ALL students by providing real-time transcription of lectures or translating materials into different languages, creating study materials in real time, and providing students with tools to help them succeed. With technology and AI, students in remote and rural areas can now access education without moving to a city; this is a huge transformation in access to education globally. Students with exceptionalities that need accommodations can utilize AI to access their education. AI can help provide such things as text to speech, or speech to text, screen color adaptations, text size, focus tools, etc., which can provide greater access for students who may be blind, deaf, have dyslexia, or other neurodivergence so that they can fulfill their goals and dreams and reach their full potential.
Another way AI is really transforming education is in using data-driven insights: AI can analyze student data to identify trends and patterns, providing instructors with valuable insights into how to improve their teaching methods and course materials in real time. A focus needs to move from learning information to training to interpret and use the vast amount of data available, effectively. AI for those who embrace it and learn it has the potential to revolutionize higher education, making it more personalized, accessible, and engaging for all students, while making workflow and management of courses much more effective for professors and faculty.
AI is an incredible “tool” that will transform education in universities and institutions that embrace, innovate, and move to a different paradigm in education. The key to remember in all this is that it is only a “tool” - one that is only as good as the user is “capable” in their capacity to utilize it. AI can be a powerful tool in sparking human creativity. But the tool is only as powerful as the person using it. AI has the power to transform education as long as it is implemented with intention and integrity to enhance the student experience.
AED: What are the biggest benefits and challenges of integrating AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and adaptive learning platforms in academic settings?
Dr. Blackmon: The benefits are exponential - if a person has critical thinking, research, and communication skills, they will be able to transform their learning and access to information and education to transform their life. Customized learning creates faster learning, and is adaptive in the moment, AI can provide instant feedback for learning and growth, and help individuals take their life anywhere they choose. Customized learning paths can help students use their unique talents and skills to be successful in their lives. There truly will be transdisciplinary learning that empowers students. No subject is truly learned in isolation - in science and math you still need reading, writing, and communication skills, in history, understanding data and using that data to inform understanding is critical. In any humanities research, data is an integral part of critical analysis. Reading and comprehension are skills used in every discipline. With AI, a great benefit is that you can learn the individualized areas that you need support with and work to use AI to grow strengths at the same time because it is so adaptive.
The challenges are that we need to pay attention to deeper structures and systems that impact students. Fully personalized learning experiences are not widespread yet, and the use of AI in education raises ethical concerns about data privacy, algorithm bias, and the potential for increased inequality. I worry about the understanding of how data is gathered and used, and how most people are unaware of their privacy, online presence, and the gathering and sales of data for marketing. Different countries globally have very different guidelines, and some protect people while other countries allow the use of data with few guidelines, leaving the vulnerable unaware populations open to manipulation, dark marketing, and scams.
Many countries are trying to balance the benefits of a free market and data-driven economy with the potential harms of unchecked data collection and usage. There isn't a single country that has solved this, and the landscape is constantly evolving.
Many countries lack comprehensive data privacy and marketing regulations. This creates loopholes and allows companies to collect and use data in ways that may be harmful, even if not explicitly illegal. Globally, there aren’t comprehensive and cohesive regulations. Even when regulations exist, enforcement is weak or inconsistent, making them ineffective. The commodification of data incentivizes companies to collect as much data as possible, often without sufficient regard for individual privacy or potential harms. Marketing data can be used to target vulnerable populations with manipulative advertising, promoting harmful products and/or exploiting their fears and insecurities.
This is something that I feel like the general public doesn’t even know or even understand in a lot of countries yet. With this, there are issues with pricing policies and manipulating customer access, for example, with car insurance, whereby you get a “cheaper rate” if you install their “driving app,” this could be a violation of privacy and exploiting uneducated populations. Those companies track and can observe their customers everywhere, and have access to the data to sell to other companies based on their habits of where they went and how much time was spent there, and then they use this data to exploit users with manipulative advertising directly. The dark side of technology is something that a lot of people don’t understand yet, I feel, more people are becoming aware, however, it is an issue. With AI, massive amounts of data with algorithms can also be used in marketing and can perpetuate and amplify existing biases, leading to discrimination, manipulation, and false information being widespread. There is the issue of data breaches as well that can expose sensitive personal information, amplify identity theft, financial fraud, leaked healthcare information, digital scamming, and other issues - some we may not even know yet.
With these issues globally, different countries have very divergent levels of regulation. The USA, for example, has some federal and state privacy laws that can change with each government administration, but lacks a comprehensive and cohesive federal privacy law that is well managed. This leaves room for companies to collect and use data in ways that may be harmful. Targeted dark advertising and data breaches are significant concerns. There is a general lack of education around marketing and data use with technology as well that leaves many people unaware of the dangers and their rights, I feel.
Other countries have increasingly more strict regulations on data, often intertwined with government surveillance and control, raising concerns about freedom of expression and individual liberties. The social credit system also raises ethical questions about data usage. In Europe, there are strong data protection laws, but implementation and enforcement are ongoing challenges, and the global rise of technology presents a problem between countries with varying laws that are not cohesive. The balance between data protection and innovation is a constant debate. In many developing countries, there are areas without access to resources and infrastructure to implement and enforce effective data protection laws, making their citizens particularly vulnerable to exploitation. So, this is a huge issue and challenge to navigate the transformation of our global digital post-information age, and one that is hard to ensure that there are protections in place for the most vulnerable populations. Regulations are constantly evolving, and public awareness of data privacy is growing. Every country struggle with these issues to some degree.
Another worry is the inequality piece and access for all with AI, I feel, especially those dealing with poverty. As you may know, I grew up quite poor, and the reason I am successful and able to live my dreams today is simply because I was born in Canada - a country that believes in the rights and equality of all, with the right to education. I was able to access education because of those societal norms. I really truly believe that if I had the same circumstances growing up and had been born in another country that didn't have the same access to education, I would not be here today, for sure. So, for me, this access to education and helping those who might not have the resources and money is a critical piece in developing education globally, working towards the goal of the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. “Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.” Education opened a world of opportunities for me, literally.
Here I am now at East Bridge University as the Director General and in a position to influence the future of education and access to education. I truly believe that anyone who has the desire and drive for a higher education should be able to find access to it. East Bridge University is opening those doors and AI can be used to enhance the student experience.
Another big challenge with AI I think, is that the divide will grow larger between those with education, knowledge, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and training in using AI and those who do not have access to these skills. Our world has transformed through the eras and the industrial age is long gone. In this digital and post-information age, it is more critical than ever to have access to education - those without an education are forced to work in low-paying jobs without a livable wage, and factory work is being replaced with robots. What will be left for those living in poverty and have no access to education? This is a huge concern for me.
Another challenge is faculty development in higher education (and education in general) - Change is hard, people resist change, and it is overwhelming for a lot of people, but it is here, it is now, and it will be an “adapt or perish” situation, I am afraid. Faculty needs to be trained to use AI tools effectively and to adapt their teaching methods to incorporate AI. It is harder for some to adapt and some are simply not adept yet at using technology enough to be comfortable, but we must get really uncomfortable and “learn to do by doing” and then use continuous improvement to keep adapting. That mindset must be taught and inspired in faculty and students alike to make mistakes and fail forward and use AI to become much more effective and efficient in our work.
Finally, I think a huge challenge is not to forget the human element and the connection. Education is fundamentally a human endeavor, learning by social constructivism, from those who have already done it and are more experienced, being mentored, and AI should be used to support, not replace, human interaction and mentorship. It's an exciting time for AI in education, but it's important to proceed with caution and to prioritize the needs of students and educators, maintaining the connection and relationships central to thriving for most people.
AED: Do you believe AI can replace traditional educators, or will it serve as an enhancement to teaching?
Dr. Blackmon: AI is definitely a tool and an enhancement. Humans need human connection, as I just mentioned. Several countries in our world are more individualistic, however, that is a disadvantage on several levels, and does not support our human development with social constructivist theory and how humans learn and thrive. If AI is used with intention and integrity, it can be a very helpful enhancement though, and as we develop technology we need to study and research the impact on human development. This is an area that will develop and change as we navigate this new era of education. There are some schools that are using technology already to help differentiate students and create individualized learning paths. There are schools that are completely transforming the way things are done, with tech teaching most of the more traditional subjects and then having mentors that help with the skills and development of communication and critical thinking. Educators also play a crucial role in shaping students' ethical and moral development. They facilitate discussions about values, ethics, and social responsibility, helping students develop into well-rounded individuals. AI, while it can be programmed with ethical guidelines, cannot replace the human element in ethical reasoning and moral development.
The most effective learning environments will likely involve a combination of AI and human educators. AI can handle the more data-driven and administrative aspects of teaching, freeing educators to focus on what they do best: building relationships with students, fostering critical thinking and creativity, and providing personalized mentorship and guidance. AI becomes a powerful tool in the educator's toolkit, allowing them to be even more efficient and effective. AI is a powerful tool that can augment the work of educators, but it cannot replace the essential human elements that make teaching a truly transformative profession.
AED: How should universities balance the use of AI in research and academic assessments while ensuring academic integrity?
Dr. Blackmon: Universities need to work to balance the use of AI in research and assessment with academic integrity. Again, using AI intentionally with integrity. That is my take on it. Policies, regulations, and acceptable user policies should be made with all stakeholders - including students, so they have a voice in the foundation of what we are doing in higher education. When everyone has the ability to contribute, a greater understanding will develop on every level of the organization and buy-in to actually follow the policies. There must be within these policies a mechanism for continuous analysis and development to keep pace with the development of AI and further technologies.
Factors in this transformation integrating AI in higher education that are central to how we adapt to using AI in research are being critical consumers of information, critical creators of information, and embracing creative thinking to continue to adapt and transform. It's important to distinguish between using AI as a tool for research and writing (e.g., for brainstorming, summarizing, or editing) and using it to generate entire academic works. Using it as a tool for research and writing with intention and integrity is the balance.
Education systems that don’t find a balance and incorporate AI will be left behind by systems and countries that are teaching thinking skills along with technology and integrity using AI to do research and using AI as a tool to synthesize and analyze the vast amounts of data now available in research. We need to become much more fluent in “older” educational institutions as we adapt to generations that were born into the tech and information age. Over the generations and ages, it comes down to those who adapt, and prosper, and now in this digital information age the divide is going to be significant for those who do not adapt. AI is a powerful tool - for good, for evil, for knowledge, for empowerment, for efficiency, and for furthering our world. What is critical in this transformation process, is that we need to examine the systems and parameters of understanding and use, and collectively work on a global level to advance and transform all education systems, not only higher education. Currently the transformation is happening in pockets and different countries at different levels with different and varying levels of regulations. How can we collaborate across higher education to help ensure the intention and integrity is there in research and assessment using AI?
AED: What are your thoughts on the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated academic work, such as AI-written essays and research papers?
Dr. Blackmon: AI is here. It is a tool of the time. As humans we have evolved in using tools in education to write across the eras to our current time, from writing on clay tablets, stone, and papyrus, to quill pens, ink, lead pencils, and chalk to markers and whiteboards, computers, and projectors, to panels and smartboards, each generation thought that that tool would be used forever. My dad was born in 1913 and was a lot older; he used horses to farm and go to town, and he only had access to a grade 4 education as he was pulled out of school to work at the farm. From the time I was very young, he emphasized the importance of education, reading with me in the evenings, and he taught me how to sharpen my pencil with a knife to write and do my homework. Hardly a skill I needed now, but at the time, it was useful. As we have evolved to today, AI is the tool of our time, as computers are the tool with which most people now use to write instead of pencil and paper. AI can help us be so efficient and effective when used with intention and integrity. My thinking is that as a tool it is incredible. The speed at which I can now research and do a literature review for my work is incredible. The speed at which I can use tools such as Nvivo to analyze data and create new work is incredible. I had to write papers with “old fashioned” research from the library, and I remember handwriting my outlines on paper, and then writing the first draft by hand when I started in academia, now I can do it all online from wherever I am in the world with a computer and so quickly. The ethical concerns I have are threefold: 1. Who wrote the information and did the analysis? Is it accurate? Is it biased? Is the perspective from multiple voices? Whose voice is absent? 2. What are their intentions and are they working for an end outside of higher education? ie: large companies paying for research, marketing, or to sell their own work or products? 3. Do they have the knowledge to wield the tool? If you are simply copy-pasting and have no idea, if what is given is correct or makes sense, then what will happen to the quality of research? Without the ethics and integrity to use it only as a tool to compile research and analyze data I feel that the quality of research will potentially go down and then the information fed to AI to train it will be lower quality and inaccurate, and that will have a diminishing return on the effectiveness of the tool. The data the AI is trained on directly impacts the output. If that data is biased, incomplete, or inaccurate, the AI's analysis will reflect those flaws. We need to understand the limitations of AI and be able to identify potential errors or biases. Critically evaluating the AI's sources and methodology is essential, but often difficult. The inner workings of many AI systems are opaque and not widely understood by the general public (the "black box" problem). The absence of certain voices in the training data can lead to skewed results and perpetuate existing inequalities. It is a critical question of the opaque nature of AI of who is training it with what resources. There are concerns that it is trained mostly with Eurocentric and western-centric datasets - that is a huge problem and concern, and a challenge. Researchers must be vigilant in identifying and mitigating these biases. Ethical concerns might manifest differently in various academic fields because of this. For example, the implications of bias in AI medical research could be particularly serious, while the challenges of authorship might be more pronounced in collaborative fields like education. Different cultures are not accurately portrayed in the data, and this is something we need to be aware of and critical of, and take action to help change the way AI models are trained. Transparency about the data used and the AI's role is paramount to understanding the potential impacts and who might be impacted the most.
Another influence potentially, that is a challenge, is that if research is funded or influenced by entities with a vested interest in specific outcomes, AI could be manipulated to produce favorable results. This could involve subtly shaping the training data, tweaking the AI's parameters, or selectively presenting the findings. Granted this can happen with research done without AI with human bias, but the transparency about funding sources and potential conflicts of interest is crucial. Just as with traditional research, academic integrity demands that AI-assisted research be conducted objectively and without undue influence from external factors. The potential for marketing or self-promotion further complicates this issue.
As far as authorship - this one is interesting, when we turned to crafting our papers on a computer, did we cite the computer as a tool? I wonder how to approach this. If someone is truly delving into what they are sourcing through AI and creating their work themselves, then at some point AI is a source tool but not necessarily an “author” because so much information was sourced and used to create the final draft. But if it is a case of copy/paste and there was no effort in actually assimilating the information and thoughts into new work then that is problematic. Ultimately, education and training on the ethical, intentional, and methodological use and implications of AI in research are essential for ensuring integrity and responsible use by all in education.
Another challenge with AI is the nature of learning. Education is not just about acquiring information; it's about developing intellectual capabilities. It is about developing skills in analysis and evaluation and making connections that are unique to each individual.
Engaging with challenging material, working with complex ideas, and then expressing those ideas in writing are essential components of learning and research. AI can provide answers, but it cannot replicate the struggle and cognitive development that comes from genuine intellectual engagement. Over-reliance on AI could lead to a decline in students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. With learning comes the assessment piece and how higher learning will adapt and transform assessments to account for AI. With access to AI-generated academic work, institutions need to rethink assessment methods. Traditional essays and research papers may become less relevant. Educators may need to focus on alternative forms of assessment, such as oral presentations, group projects, or in-class exams, that are more difficult for AI to replicate. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating the process of learning, not just the final product. I was lucky in that in my initial work for my Bachelor of Education almost all of the work involved some type of presentation and representation of learning while actually applying what was learned. That is critical - to activate, acquire, and then be able to actually apply the learning to ensure quality of education.
To address ethical concerns in higher education I think a few solutions would be to look to international forums such as the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence which focuses on implementing the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which is a global standard for ethical AI development and develop further working groups to discuss and develop ethical guidelines and best practices for AI in research. This could involve global organizations, international academic associations, and universities, including students in the process. This could create a set of shared principles for ethical AI research covering areas like data privacy, algorithm transparency, bias mitigation, and responsible use of AI-generated content. The international forums could work towards harmonizing regulations and policies related to AI in research across different countries and regions, and help come up with support for organizations grappling with what to do next.
Along with global forums, another important solution to help develop AI use is to integrate AI ethics and training courses into curricula, ensuring that researchers are aware of the ethical implications of using AI in their work and training them on using AI with intention and integrity. With this, a focus on professionalism and ethics would be necessary in the coursework to help develop AI integration. This, coupled with clear policies and guidelines on the ethical use of AI in research, including expectations for safe and private data management, authorship, and intellectual property, with continuous development and review of the policies and guidelines, will help transform higher education.
If we develop a global mindset towards the development of AI with the sharing of knowledge, resources, expertise, and ethics, there will be accelerated progress for all. On so many levels, a global mindset and collaboration will benefit us all, saving time, resources, and benefiting everyone in every country. This leads to the need for global leaders in AI to work to be adept at building trust, negotiating to reach consensus, and coordinating on a large scale globally, and the challenge of bringing together countries with nationalistic paradigms is a great challenge, but the changes AI will bring to our lives, I believe it is very necessary to bring together countries to work on this with a global perspective to reduce conflict, manage unknowns in AI development, ensure equitable access and advancement for all, and manage the impact on our world. The choice between global cooperation and competition in AI will shape the future of this technology and its impact. Cooperation offers the potential for AI to be a force for good, addressing global challenges and improving lives for all. Competition, on the other hand, carries the risk of exacerbating inequalities, fueling conflict, and potentially leading to the development of AI systems with unforeseen and harmful consequences. Ultimately, the decision rests with governments, researchers, and individuals around the world. By prioritizing collaboration, ethical considerations, and the common good, we can ensure that AI benefits all of humanity, not just a selected few.
AI-generated academic work presents significant ethical challenges that need to be addressed proactively. It requires a multi-faceted approach that includes intentional use, integrity, education, policy development, adaptation of assessment methods, and an ongoing dialogue. The goal is to ensure that AI is used in a way that supports, not undermines, the core values of academic integrity and genuine learning.
AI has the potential to revolutionize and transform higher education, making it more effective, efficient, personalized, engaging, and accessible for more people. By embracing critical creation and consumption of information and addressing ethical concerns, we can harness the power of AI to create a future where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We need to develop AI with intention and integrity though, being critical consumers and critical creators of information. I am excited to embrace AI as a tool and navigate the challenges that this might bring in higher education.
Boosting Professional Efficiency Through AI
AI-powered automation has redefined workplace productivity and efficiency. From customer service chatbots to predictive analytics, professionals now rely on AI to streamline tasks, reduce errors, and improve decision-making. Fields such as finance, healthcare, and marketing benefit from AI-driven insights, allowing businesses to operate with greater precision and speed.
AI-driven software assists in data analysis, scheduling, and workflow automation, freeing professionals from mundane tasks and enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives and innovation. Tools like Grammarly and Jasper AI help refine content generation, improving business communication. However, over-reliance on AI tools may lead to a decline in critical thinking and creativity, making human oversight crucial.
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Dr. Stepanus S. Hut., MP, Senior Trainer in the Human Resource Development Department of Kalimantan Tengah Province, Indonesia, spoke to us at length on how AI has been fuelling up workforce productivity and efficiency.
AED: In what ways has AI improved professional efficiency in various industries, and which sectors have been the most impacted?
Dr. Hut.: AI has significantly improved professional efficiency across various industries by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes, and enabling new capabilities. Al has been improving efficiency by automating routine tasks. AI can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and customer support, freeing up human employees to focus on more complex and creative work.
AI has been enhancing decision-making. AI algorithms can analyze large datasets quickly and accurately, providing insights that help businesses make informed decisions. It has been predict maintenance requirements; in industries like manufacturing and transportation, AI can predict equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
AI has been creating personalized customer experiences by analyzing customer data to provide personalized recommendations and improve customer service. And detecting frauds; in the finance sector, AI helps detect fraudulent activities by analyzing transaction patterns and flagging anomalies.
Sectors that have been mostly influenced by AI are firstly healthcare; AI has been revolutionizing diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Secondly, it has highly influenced finance; AI is used for fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and customer service automation, making financial operations more secure and efficient. The third sector to have been influenced by AI is retail and e-commerce. It offers personalized recommendations, dynamic pricing, and inventory management, and this is how it optimizes shopping experience and supply chains.
AI has also profoundly influenced transportation and logistics. AI improves safety, reduces costs, and enhances sustainability through autonomous vehicles, route optimization, and warehouse automation. Finally, AI has deeply influenced cybersecurity; AI helps detect and respond to cyber threats more quickly and effectively.
These advancements are just the beginning, and as AI technology continues to evolve, its impact on professional efficiency and various industries will only grow stronger.
AED: With AI automating repetitive tasks, do you foresee a shift in required skill sets for future professionals? If so, what skills will become essential?
Dr. Hut.: Absolutely, the automation of repetitive tasks through AI is indeed reshaping the skill sets that will be in demand for future professionals. Apart from that, some skills will become increasingly essential. They are digital literacy and technical skills that involve AI and Machine Learning; understanding how AI works and how to leverage machine learning algorithms will be crucial. Then it would be data analysis and interpretation; the ability to analyze and draw insights from large datasets will be a highly sought-after skill. Also, cybersecurity; as we become more dependent on digital systems, skills in protecting these systems from cyber threats will be vital.
A good number of soft skills will come to prominence. One of them is critical thinking and problem-solving. Professionals will need to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and devise effective solutions.
Secondly, adaptability and flexibility will be in demand because the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and methodologies will be essential.
Fourthly, creativity and innovation become a priority; creative thinking will be key to developing innovative solutions and staying ahead in the competitive landscape.
With the growing expanse of AI, interpersonal skills like collaboration and teamwork, emotional intelligence, and communication skills will be appreciated. Collaboration and teamwork will be in demand because working effectively with diverse teams will serve the rapid and diverse purpose. On the other hand, emotional intelligence, which is understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, will be important in leadership and team dynamics. Finally, communication skills will be a game-changer because the ability to clearly convey ideas and information, both verbally and in writing, will continue to be valuable and will be an ice-breaker.
The onset of AI supremacy will also highlight the importance of project management skills. Especially, with agile methodologies; familiarity with agile project management techniques will help professionals navigate the fast-paced and ever-changing work environments. Strategic thinking will also be important because the ability to plan for the long term while considering the broader context and trends will be crucial.
AI will also push people for lifelong learning practices such as continuous education and upskilling. People will need to be up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and industry trends through continuous learning, which will be essential. At the same time, they would need to develop these skills, that will help future professionals to thrive in an AI-driven world.
AED: How can professionals leverage AI tools to enhance productivity without becoming overly reliant on automation?
Dr. Hut.: Professionals can enhance their productivity with AI while maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding over-reliance on automation by following a set of strategies.
Firstly, complement, don't replace. You must use AI as an assistant for tasks rather than taking over entirely. For example, use AI for data analysis and let it provide insights, but make the final decisions yourself. Then you must incorporate human oversight in automated processes to ensure accuracy and maintain control. This can help catch errors that AI might overlook.
Secondly, focus on strategic tasks like delegating routine tasks using AI, which will allow you more time to focus on more strategic, creative, and high-value work that requires human judgment. Improve decision-making by using data-driven insights and recommendations, but use your expertise to make the final call.
Thirdly, continuous learning and adaptation by staying updated with the latest AI advancements and learning how to use new tools effectively. This will help you make informed decisions about when and how to use AI. Using AI for skill development that AI cannot easily replicate, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Fourthly, collaboration and communication by increasing collaboration between AI tools and human team members. Use AI to enhance team productivity by facilitating communication and information sharing. Then maintain transparency in communication by clearly communicating the role of AI within your team to ensure everyone understands how it is being used and its limitations.
Fifthly, evaluate and optimize by periodically evaluating the effectiveness of the AI tools that you are using. Ensure they are delivering the desired outcomes and adjust their usage if needed. Then always customize and optimize by tailoring AI tools to fit your specific needs and workflows. Optimization can help ensure AI adds value without becoming a crutch.
Sixthly, balance automation and human touch, especially in customer-facing roles, by using AI to handle routine interactions. However, ensure there is always a human touch for more complex or sensitive issues. Then you must blend automation and creativity for streamlining processes, but leave room for human creativity and innovation to shine.
By thoughtfully integrating AI tools into your workflow, you can enhance productivity while preserving the unique value that human skills bring to the table.
AED: What industries or job roles are at the highest risk of AI-driven displacement, and how can professionals prepare for these changes?
Dr. Hut.: AI-driven displacement is likely to impact several industries and job roles. The industries that are at high risk are firstly, manufacturing, because automation and robotics are increasingly replacing manual labor in factories. The second industry to be affected is retail and food services because self-checkout systems and automated kitchens are reducing the need for human workers.
Customer service is next to be at the receiving end because chatbots and virtual assistants are taking over roles in call centers and service desks. It is likely to be followed by finance; AI systems are automating data analysis and administrative tasks, impacting roles in finance and banking.
Unfortunately, healthcare has already started to experience the heat as AI is increasingly used for diagnostics, patient management, and administrative tasks, affecting jobs in healthcare.
Finally, legal services are even at risk of being affected because AI-driven legal research and document review are reducing the need for junior lawyers and paralegals.
It’s not just the industries, but deep down certain job roles may also come under fire because of the growing popularity and diversified usage of the technological adoption. Bank tellers may no longer be required because it is a clerical and secretarial role that can be easily done by AI.
Businesses may no longer need analysts because AI systems can process vast amounts of data quickly, reducing the need for human analysts. Marketing managers may lose their jobs as well because AI-driven marketing tools automate campaign management and customer targeting.
Software developers too may lose their relevance because AI can assist in coding and debugging, changing the skill sets required. The next job role that AI may affect is that of database administrator because automation of database management tasks can streamline operations, speed up the process, and do that with utmost efficiency.
Companies may also no longer need project managers because AI tools can predict project timelines and resource allocation, reducing reliance on human managers.
The last job role could be something you did not expect, but yes, AI supremacy may also affect the job of lawyers. AI is increasingly used for legal research and document review, gradually as AI develops it may be able to do more of lawyers’ jobs than now.
So, instead of living in uncertainty, you can prepare by reskilling and upskilling; you can learn new technologies and skills that complement AI rather than compete with it. You need to remain committed to continuous learning, and stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and related fields.
Invest in networking, and build connections within industries less likely to be affected by AI. Develop soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence that AI cannot easily replicate. Finally, and most importantly, be adaptable. Be open to change and willing to pivot quickly to new roles or industries. By proactively developing these skills and staying informed about industry trends, professionals can better prepare for the changes brought about by AI.
AED: How should organizations implement AI while maintaining a human-centric approach to work and management?
Dr. Hut.: Implementing AI while maintaining a human-centric approach requires careful planning and consideration of both technological and human factors. I would like to mention a few strategies such as prioritizing human values and ethics through ethical AI development, where AI systems can be developed focusing on fairness, transparency, and accountability. Also, design AI tools with the end-user in mind, making them intuitive and user-friendly.
The next strategy should be to enhance and not replace. We must use AI to augment and enhance human skills instead of replacing them. This can lead to better collaboration between humans and machines. Since AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks, it must be used optimally to allow employees to focus on higher-value work that requires creativity and critical thinking.
Another strategy to make the most of AI without harming human interest is to foster a culture of continuous learning. You must provide employees with training and development opportunities to learn how to work effectively with AI tools. Then you can promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to keep up with technological advancements, encourage collaboration between different departments to leverage AI insights and solutions, and maintain open and transparent communication about AI initiatives, including their goals, benefits, and potential impact on the workforce.
Further, to ensure employee well-being, it would be best to use AI to monitor and manage workloads, preventing burnout and ensuring a healthy work-life balance, maintaining a human touch in customer interactions, especially in situations that require empathy and understanding.
It is also important to evaluate AI systems on a regular basis because technology may develop glitches. For this, you need to regularly evaluate the impact of AI on employees, customers, and overall business operations and continuously adjust and optimize AI systems based on feedback and performance metrics.
Interestingly, you can use AI to engage stakeholders by involving employees in the AI implementation process, seeking their input, and addressing their concerns. Next, you can gather feedback from customers to ensure AI solutions are meeting their needs and expectations.
Taking these steps, organizations can successfully implement AI while maintaining a human-centric approach, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Challenges to Authenticity in AI-Generated Content
As AI continues to generate text, images, and videos, concerns over authenticity and misinformation have emerged. Deepfake technology and AI-generated articles can blur the lines between reality and fiction, leading to ethical dilemmas in journalism, academic publishing, and social media.
To combat misinformation, AI developers and regulators are implementing fact-checking algorithms and watermarking for AI-generated content. However, individuals must also cultivate media literacy skills to critically evaluate the credibility of online information. It is extremely important to ensure transparency in AI-generated work for authenticity and trust.
We spoke to Mr. Aniruddha Chakraborty, Deputy Copy Editor, Indian Express, for an insightful talk on remaining authentic and being trustable despite AI domination.
AED: As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, how can we ensure authenticity and credibility in academia, journalism, and content creation?
Mr Chakraborty: We must make it compulsory for all through legislation to declare if the whole or even a part of an article has been generated through AI. If a part/ segment is generated by AI, then it must be highlighted to readers/ audience/ viewers.
Question 2: What are your thoughts on AI's ability to mimic human emotions and communication—can AI ever replace genuine human interactions?
Mr. Chakraborty: There will be people who will prefer communicating with AI-driven robots, but to expect that from the majority of humanity will not be right. And to look at it this way, even AI is ultimately powered by human thought.
Question 3: How do we prevent bias and misinformation in AI-driven decision-making processes, particularly in education and recruitment?
Mr. Chakraborty: By creating AI models to detect those very biases and misinformation.
Question 4: Should there be stricter regulations and guidelines for the ethical use of AI in workplaces and academic institutions?
Mr. Chakraborty: There should be a sound legal framework for AI. But it is an evolving domain, so we need to keep a close watch and keep updating our laws to keep up with the changes.
Question 5: How do you think AI is shaping the future of originality and creativity—will it enhance or hinder human innovation?
Mr. Chakraborty: It will do all of it and much more. AI will supplant human creativity, challenge creators to go over and beyond AI, and also promote a plethora of mediocre stuff.
AI's influence on academics, professional efficiency, and content authenticity presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI enhances learning, automation, and information access, ethical considerations and human expertise remain crucial. Striking a balance between AI innovation and human authenticity will define the future of academia and the workplace.