On October 10, 2024, the NYU Office of the Provost hosted a symposium on student learning with generative AI. It featured NYU students and faculty from New York, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi, including three Nexus Graduate Assistants (Zulsyika Nurfaizah, Anisha Arora, Nigel Lu) and three SPS faculty (Negar Farakish, Kristine Rodrguez Kerr, Hui Soo Chae). It was inspiring to learn about the innovative and creative ways the NYU community is using AI tools to advance educational and professional goals. Below are some highlights from the symposium.
Student Use of AI Tools
Students shared how they actively use a variety of AI tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Perplexity, as well as custom-built models for tasks such as coding, writing assistance, grammar correction, tutoring, brainstorming, and exam preparation. Students emphasized the value of these tools in streamlining and enhancing their work, supporting creative thinking, and enabling them to focus on deeper learning.
The Impact of AI on Learning
Although students had some concerns about the impact of generative AI on learning, they viewed AI tools as overwhelmingly beneficial. In particular, they found them helpful with scaffolding learning, tutoring, and analyzing large amounts of data. Both students and faculty underscored the importance of consulting academic resources, as well as engaging with professors and peers, to gain a deeper understanding of the material.
Collaborative Learning Environment
A central theme was the need for more open communication between students and faculty regarding AI usage in the classroom. Some students mentioned a lack of clear guidance from faculty about AI tools. They advocated for a shift where faculty not only acknowledge AI’s use but also integrate it into their assignments as a way to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Participants discussed ethical AI use and developing an understanding of responsible AI practices.
Future of AI in Higher Education
Looking ahead, both students and faculty envisioned more specialized AI models tailored to specific subject areas that will assist with complex problem-solving in both education and future careers.
The two open questions that stood out from the conversations were:
How can we address concerns around data and privacy?
How can we support students who cannot afford paid versions of AI tools?
Overall, the symposium stressed the need for a shared culture of AI use in academia, where students and faculty actively contribute to shaping how AI enhances learning experiences. I hope NYU will continue to host similar events to encourage open dialogue within the community.
Select videos from the Oct. 2024 Teaching & Learning with Generative AI Virtual Symposium: Student Perspectives are available on NYU Stream (NYU NetID login required).
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