Evie Hall, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business, once avoided artificial intelligence at all costs. Ever since the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence launched in April, Hall not only uses AI for studying; her professors encourage its use in class.
“I still don’t like using AI to write and produce creative content. That's just immoral to me,” Hall said. “But I’m happy that they are taking steps to include it in my education so I am better prepared to use it in my career.”
Gwanhoo Lee, a professor in Kogod and director of the Institute, said the main goal is to integrate AI into the classroom to prepare students for the future. Training of professors in AI is also part of this integration. Lee said that approximately 90 percent of Kogod faculty integrate AI into their classes in some way, up from 50 percent last semester.
Angela Virtu, Kogod professor and associate director of the institute, is involved in the training of faculty and staff on ethical and effective AI use in the classroom.
“With AI, it’s very much a mindset shift,” Virtu said. “Every single day, we have to make a conscious effort to try to get 1 percent better at understanding how this technology works.”
Virtu was one of two professors focused on AI and machine learning who were hired in 2023. Kogod also hired two new “Accomplished AI Scholars” this semester. Professors Henry Heo and Sun Joo Kim joined the Department of Information Technology and Analytics this fall, both with backgrounds in AI development.
Across campus, students have varying opinions about AI and its growing presence in the classroom.
Karenna Senske, a master’s student in the College of Arts and Sciences, believes AI has purpose in certain circumstances but is worried about how AI might be used at the University to push “capitalistic ideas of making money.”
Ellie Casias, a freshman in the School of International Service, worries about the damage AI causes to the environment. According to a 2023 study, AI’s annual water consumption is projected to reach between 4.2 billion and 6.6 billion cubic meters by 2027, which is four to six times the annual water usage of Denmark.
“I’d be wary. In general, you should be wary of any new initiative or any new technology,” Casias said.
Outside of Kogod, AI integration at AU has been limited, but is increasing. This semester, the School of Communication hired a professor of AI and media, and CAS is currently searching for “AI-focused faculty across multiple disciplines.”
Kogod Dean David Marchick made clear that the institute was not specific to Kogod and he has been working closely with professors from all schools to expand the initiative in the coming year.
“The jobs of the future will require every student, every employee to be fluent in AI applications,” Marchick said.
This article was edited by Cara Halford, Abigail Hatting and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting …
