Your Brain On ChatGPT: Everything Educators Need To Know About MIT's AI Study | Faculty seek greater voice in AI decisions at universities | UT-Permian Basin uses AI, VR to aid special ed
Recent research from MIT scientists compared the brain activity of students who used ChatGPT when writing to those who did not. The team's findings suggest that using ChatGPT resulted in less brain activity and inferior writing for students. However, “We didn't find any brain rot,” says Nataliya Kosmyna, a research scientist at MIT Media Lab's Fluid Interfaces group and lead author of the study.
The AAUP's 'Artificial Intelligence and Academic Professions' report details widespread faculty concerns about the unchecked rollout of AI in higher education. The report, which was surveyed by about 500 members, highlights negative impacts on teaching environments, pay equity, academic freedom, and student success. The AAUP recommends forming oversight committees, requiring impact assessments, ensuring opt-out options, and safeguarding against AI-driven employment decisions without independent review while stressing transparency and protection of faculty rights.
The University of Texas Permian Basin is enhancing special education with two research projects that utilize virtual reality and AI. The first project uses VR to help students practice real-life situations in a controlled environment, building confidence and social skills. The second project uses AI to simulate classroom scenarios for teacher training, offering detailed feedback to improve instructional strategies.
Yong Zhao, a Foundation Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas, writes that educational leaders should prepare students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence. In this blog post, Zhao suggests developing a vision for future learning, understanding students and their evolving world, focusing on uniquely human skills, empowering students to lead their learning and creating experimental spaces for transformation.