Thoughts on AI in academics and at SSU

At Shawnee State University, we’ve been having important conversations about AI and its use — and misuse — in academics. These discussions will eventually lead to a governance committee and university policy. No matter where one falls on the opinion spectrum, a few things seem clear: AI is here, it’s not going away, and it has both promising and challenging implications. Ignoring AI isn’t an option, nor is wishing it away. Now that’s out of the way, we can begin to think what to do about AI that presents a unified stance for academic integrity.

The simple question “Should we allow the use of AI in the classroom?” unfortunately doesn’t have a simple answer. The answer lies in context — it depends. That may not be the definitive response some are looking for, but perhaps that’s because we’re asking the wrong question.

My own thoughts on AI in academics are still forming. At the heart of the issue is what are the desired outcomes of a project, class, or education and what does academic integrity mean. Below are some reflections and notes from my ongoing internal dialogue:

Cheating vs. AI use

Something I have reflected on is the difference between cheating and AI use:

• What is cheating? My opinion: cheating is the misrepresentation of work.
  
• The use of AI is not inherently cheating as long as its use is transparent and does not undermine the educational goals for the project or activity.
  
• In this line of thinking, it’s more beneficial for faculty to focus on clear guidelines for AI as a tool for learning, not as a crutch for project creation. This means focus on process instead of product, which is often preferred from a pedagogical perspective.

Independent thinking

SSU’s mission is to prepare today’s student to succeed in tomorrow’s world and, probably, developing creative and independent thinkers is the key to accomplishing this mission. It’s possible to teach students how to use AI responsibly, all while continuing to teach them how to think critically and independently. We want a generation of thinkers, not simply users and consumers - but we can’t overlook how significantly AI is changing the world.

Some ways to honor SSU’s mission while embracing AI:

• Teach students to think critically alongside AI, not rely on it.
  
• Avoid uniformity of work by maintaining individuality in assignments.
  
• Develop assignments that require personal experience and reflection that AI cannot replicate.
  
• Encourage students to critically evaluate AI-generated content.
  
• Design projects that combine AI efficiency with human creativity and insight.

Educational integrity — pillars vs fillers

• AI should support learning, and never replace independent, critical thinking.
  
• Use AI for repetitive tasks (“fillers”), but core objectives (“pillars”) must remain student-driven.
  
• Create clear categorization of tasks where AI is:
  • Encouraged (the project fillers)
    
  • Limited and with disclosure
    
  • Permitted with disclosure
    
  • Not permitted (the pillars of the project)

Process and outcomes over product

• We may need to redefine the artifacts of an educated individual. The term paper may no longer be the best evidence.
  
• I still believe that the pillars of education are: reasoning, research, and expression. The term paper neatly encompasses, or encompassed, all three but how does that change when everyone is using AI?
  
• Focus on how students reach outcomes (process), not just the final result (product).
  
• Incorporate projects where AI is encouraged to foster understanding. Maybe even where AI is necessary.

Workforce relevance

• AI use is a valuable skill; students need to learn how to integrate it into their work effectively.
  
• Prepare students for a workplace where AI is standard.
  
• Excel didn’t replace accountants, it made them more capable and powerful (though it devastated bookkeeping). The same applies to AI in design, writing, and problem-solving.
  
• Address ethical considerations in professional AI use
  
• Explore industry-specific AI applications and limitations
  
• Emphasize human skills that AI cannot replace: emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and creative problem-solving