Latest news with #faculty
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Understanding How Students Use AI and What Faculty Can Do About It
Nearly every day, I see an op-ed or social media post about students' use of AI, most written by faculty. The use of AI in the classroom is controversial among faculty, with some embracing it and finding ways to incorporate it into classroom assignments, others expressing anger about students using it to write papers, and still others being uncertain about what to do. A new survey of 1000 students by Kahoot! – Study Habits Snapshot – shows some interesting patterns. Some of the most prominent include: To better understand the implications of the survey results, I talked with Liz Crawford, Director of Education at Kahoot! I was curious about her interpretation of the finding that 70% of students already use AI in their academic work, especially regarding what that means for faculty, teaching, and assessment of learning. Crawford explained, 'We're entering a new era where AI isn't just a tool—it's becoming a learning partner. Today's students use AI to work more efficiently, personalize their learning, and deepen their understanding. From summarizing notes in seconds using a phone camera to generating self-quizzes before an exam, students are proactively using AI to support—not shortcut—their academic growth.' Liz Crawford, Director, Education at Kahoot! Kahoot She advised faculty: 'It's critical to move beyond the assumption that AI use is synonymous with cheating.' Crawford believes academic integrity is vital, and that 'many students use AI responsibly to enhance their learning, spark new ideas, and strengthen their critical thinking.' She believes that faculty need to realize that 'AI is no longer a future trend—it's already embedded in how students learn.' From her perspective, this growing reliance on AI isn't something to fear, but instead, a call to action. Crawford shared, 'If we don't evolve our teaching and assessment strategies, we risk creating a disconnect between how students are learning and how we're guiding them. Thoughtful integration of AI allows educators to model digital responsibility, engage students more meaningfully, and ensure that learning environments remain relevant and future-ready.' To further explore how these changes might play out in the classroom, I asked Crawford about a particularly concerning part of the Kahoot! survey – students appreciated AI's instant feedback over that of peer study groups. I asked Crawford how this finding might influence faculty design of formative assessments and student support systems. She noted that the demand for immediate AI feedback shows a shift in student expectations and needs and presents an opportunity for faculty. More specifically, she stated, 'To begin with, integrating AI-powered tools into assessment strategies can be a game-changer for faculty.' She emphasized that tools like those provided by Kahoot! and similar organizations can provide real-time feedback, potentially empowering students to identify and correct their misunderstandings promptly. Crawford and others conducting research in the area believe 'this type of approach improves comprehension but also keeps students engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.' Another key benefit of AI integration, according to Crawford, is the potential for personalization. She stated, 'By analyzing performance data, AI systems can offer tailored feedback that addresses each student's unique challenges and needs. This attention can lead to better learning outcomes and heightened student enthusiasm for their studies.' However, Crawford cautioned, 'While AI feedback is incredibly useful, it's essential to remember that it should complement, not substitute, human connections.' The survey also revealed a troubling trend that faculty cannot ignore. Forty Percent (40%) of students surveyed reported skipping exams due to fear of failure. I asked Crawford if there was anything that AI could do to stop this fear and improve confidence among students. She shared, 'Academic anxiety often stems from uncertainty as students aren't sure how to prepare, whether they're studying the right material, or fear of failure.' Crawford noted how AI can help, stating: 'This is where responsible AI integration can make a real difference. AI offers a consistent, on-demand support system that students can rely on throughout their learning journey.' Knowing this, Kahoot!, is beginning to combine AI with gamification – adding gamelike elements to AI interactions. Crawford shared that students can use AI to scan notes and turn them into personalized quizzes using their phones, and they can do this anywhere. She noted, 'Whether they're commuting, studying between classes, or reviewing before bed, students can actively engage in low-pressure practice that builds mastery over time.' Of course, with so much innovation, it's easy to understand why many faculty feel overwhelmed, even if they want to incorporate AI-based learning in their courses. I asked Crawford how faculty can take the steps. She explained, 'Start small, stay curious, and utilize trusted tools. You don't need to become an AI expert overnight.' She added, 'I recommend that faculty members leverage AI to tackle tasks that help them be more efficient, such as preparing for their classes, designing formative assessments, and analyzing reports by exploring the capabilities of different platforms.' One of the most important pieces of advice that Crawford shared for faculty is, 'It's important to recognize that your students can be partners in this journey. Invite their input, explore AI together, and use these conversations to teach digital responsibility.' She wants to remind faculty that their role as 'a guide, mentor, and critical thinker is more essential than ever in an AI-driven world.' From my vantage point as a faculty member, I don't think we can afford to ignore how quickly AI is shaping the way students learn. Rather than shutting the door on AI out of frustration, we have an exciting opportunity to design learning environments and assignments that are creative, rigorous, and engage with AI in positive ways. As Crawford reminds us, we need to work with students to be digitally responsible and critical consumers of AI-generated information.
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
Trump's Harvard Bullying Is a Gift to Beijing
As a faculty member in the life sciences at Harvard, I was deeply dismayed by your report on the Trump administration's attempt to block international students from continuing their studies here ('U.S. Bars Harvard's Foreign Students,' Page One, May 23). The majority of my colleagues and I are immigrants. Quite unlike the picture of Harvard in the press, almost none of us came from privileged backgrounds. My stipend as a graduate student, which was just enough to survive and work on my thesis, was larger than my father's salary. Yet the research conducted in our department has made fundamental contributions to science and human health. On one floor of our building, former students, postdocs and faculty have gone on to win nine Nobel Prizes. Those who come to work with us are seeking opportunities they didn't find back home and, in return, brought prosperity and global respect to our shores.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bumps for ETSU salaries OK'd at trustee meeting
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — East Tennessee State University trustees approved salary increases for hundreds of staff on Friday, following similar raises for faculty a few months earlier. The adjustments were made due to efficiencies and market studies showing pay levels are below national standards. The university said the funds became available in the most recent spring 2025 semester after selected positions were left unfilled and operational efficiencies were identified during the annual Budget Model Update process. After a study on faculty salaries, the Budget Model Update determined said salaries were below the market targets. In addition, the data showed ETSU has lagged behind institutional peers in faculty and staff salaries. The average faculty salary of ETSU's institutional peers was $80,518, while the average faculty salary was $71,618. For staff, the peer average was $61,335, while ETSU's staff average was $52,144. Johnson City Commission votes to donate police car to N.C., approves ETSU Ashe Street lease Of the 639 regular faculty members (excluding those in the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Family Medicine and adjunct faculty), Human Resources identified 388 who were below market targets. On Friday, 599 staff members whose salaries are below the market range received emails notifying them that their salaries will be increased. This represents 37% of ETSU's staff (including the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and Family Medicine) and 60% of the faculty. Any salary increases provided will be retroactive to Nov. 1, 2024, or the date of hire, whichever is most recent. The total outlay of the faculty raises in March was $1.6 million. To fund the first round of these enhancements, ETSU identified $2 million through vacancy management (select positions being unfilled) and other institutional efficiencies as a result of the Budget Model Update process. ETSU trustees to consider 5% tuition/fee hike While the university does not have the means to close market gaps in a year, the pay increase means it has acknowledged the competitive rates. ETSU said it is working to close the margin even more. With financial positions and enrollment numbers still strong, the gap will be closed through the ongoing vacancy management analysis, which will identify positions not being filled. Lori Erikson, assistant vice president for ETSU Human Resources, said living costs have helped navigate and maintain university funds. 'ETSU's salaries have trailed those of peer institutions; however, our region's low cost of living helped us remain competitive,' she said. 'In recent years, as the cost of living has risen significantly, the university has made salary enhancements a priority to ensure we continue attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and staff.' ETSU said it appreciates the Board of Trustees' support and leadership. 'Their commitment to the university's mission and to the success of our faculty and staff has been instrumental in making these salary enhancements possible,' the university said. Friday's meeting also included the final approval of a 5% hike in undergraduate tuition and fees for the coming academic year and information about the university's upcoming lease of the historic Ashe Street Courthouse from the City of Johnson City. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Professors using AI? Students say they feel 'cheated', educators urge transparency
Rising concerns about professors using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms are now emerging, reversing earlier fears about students cheating. These concerns were recently flagged at Northeastern University, US, when a student filed a formal complaint demanding a tuition refund after discovering her professors were secretly using AI tools to generate notes. The discovery is triggering deeper concerns among student communities across continents including the UAE, who are demanding transparency and accountability. Clarity is imperative Dr Sabrina Joseph, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the American University in Dubai (AUD), acknowledged the importance of clarity. 'We actively encourage faculty to be transparent about their use of AI in developing teaching materials not only to build trust, but also to model ethical and creative engagement with emerging technologies,' she said. 'When professors openly share how they use AI, whether to refine lecture notes, generate discussion prompts, or visualise complex data, it often leads to meaningful classroom dialogue. It demystifies the technology and turns it into a shared learning experience.' Universities say their approach is rooted in three values: integrity, transparency, and collaboration. When used ethically, AI doesn't dilute education, it enhances learning. Varsities believe that when faculty use AI to support their preparation, it creates valuable opportunities to bring students into the conversation, helping them understand how these tools can be leveraged ethically, creatively, and effectively. 'Transparency here isn't just about disclosure, it's about empowerment,' added Joseph. 'When students witness thoughtful, responsible AI use by their professors, it inspires curiosity rather than suspicion, and learning becomes a shared journey.' The university has also implemented guidelines to ensure consistency and accountability across the board. 'These guidelines promote transparency and foster open dialogue — critical components of preparing students for a future where AI will play a central role in most careers,' Joseph explained. 'In short, we are not running from AI, we are running with it.' The sentiment is shared across levels of education. Educators at the school level are also pushing for responsible AI use — but with an emphasis on preparation. They believe teachers must be given the tools and training to stay ahead. Neetha Shetty, Principal at Al Diyafah High School, earlier said, 'We are investing in continuous professional development for our teachers — empowering them through targeted training sessions and cultivating a mindset that embraces AI as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning. This dual approach ensures that both students and educators are well-prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world.' Still, the concerns among university students and recent graduates linger — especially for those who feel their learning experience has been compromised. Feeling 'cheated' Tejasvi Sandeep Gurjar, a recent graduate, said, 'I have heard about these complaints from my friends who have noticed repetitive slides and feedback that are AI generated. At some level you do feel 'cheated' as the tuition fee at the universities are very high. It's very frustrating if educators are not transparent with their students. I feel universities must have clear guidelines on this.' She added, 'Additionally, why would I go back to pursue, say, a Master's degree at the university if I have to learn from AI and YouTube alone. Just for the degree?' Others, like AbdulMalik Ifthikar, see AI as a helpful tool — but not a replacement for meaningful academic effort. 'I've heard of some professors using AI to increase efficiency when it comes to lengthy processes such as research, content summarisations and creating presentations,' he said. 'I believe that AI should be used as an enhancer rather than a replacer for human efforts. Students and professors can use it to help increase productivity while also maintaining transparency between both parties. It's about maintaining academic integrity from both sides.'
CNA
22-05-2025
- General
- CNA
'All of that work has just vanished': Yale-NUS faculty criticise handling of library books
SINGAPORE: Faculty members at Yale-NUS College have expressed disappointment over the handling of library materials after 500 books were recycled due to what the National University of Singapore (NUS) described as an "operational lapse". Two professors told CNA on Thursday (May 22) that they were not informed about any opportunity to claim the 9,000 excess books – duplicates or titles with low usage rates – that had been earmarked for disposal. These made up about 20 per cent of the college's library collection, according to Associate Professor Natalie Pang, university librarian of NUS. She said the removal was in line with standard library practices when books are not claimed by faculty or rehomed in other collections. On Wednesday, photos and videos circulated online showing books being packed into rubbish bags and loaded onto a recycling truck. The images sparked an outcry among alumni, students and staff. Around 8,500 books were eventually salvaged. The university apologised for the misstep, with Assoc Prof Pang attributing it to staff not being fully aware of students' interest in the books and the outreach to faculty not being extensive enough. "MISUSE OF SCARCE RESOURCES" Philosophy professor Andrew Bailey said he had not been informed about any opportunity to claim the books and found no documentation or communication offering faculty access to the materials. "The issue here, for me, isn't that I didn't get a chance to pick up some free books as a faculty member, or that students missed out on that chance too. "It is that books are precious, and that it is a misuse of scarce resources to shred them," said Prof Bailey, who has been with Yale-NUS since its inception in 2012 and will join the NUS philosophy department after the college's closure later this year. Associate Professor Andrew Hui, a literature professor and fellow founding faculty member, echoed the concerns. He recalled contributing hundreds of suggestions to help build the library's early collection, even before a professional librarian was appointed. "All of that work has just vanished," he said. He added that while NUS libraries occasionally hold book giveaways, they typically involve voluntary donations - not the systematic offloading of unused inventory. He also questioned the criteria for determining "low utilisation rates". "That is antithetical to the very nature and function of a library, which is to preserve cultural memory." Like Prof Bailey, he also said no library staff member had reached out to him with offers to take up the books. Both professors said they had received recent emails from college management noting that unchecked books would be moved to another library - but the message made no mention of offering faculty the chance to claim them. On Wednesday, Assoc Prof Pang, the university librarian, said NUS will implement a new standard operating procedure across all its libraries. The new protocol will require more comprehensive outreach to both faculty members and students before books are removed. Prof Bailey welcomed the move as "wise", while Assoc Prof Hui called for a more fundamental shift: "The SOP (should be) that you try to preserve as many books as possible," he said.
