CCU celebrates Artificial Intelligence Week | News

There have been many innovations in education. From Xerox machines to overhead projectors and later calculators and computers, technology has changed the way people teach and learn.

Artificial intelligence programs are the latest technological tools that allow schools to educate the citizens and workers of tomorrow.

And Coastal Carolina University is working to understand, shape and harness that power.

October 14 to 17 is Artificial Intelligence Week at CCU, with a range of presentations, panel discussions, workshops and vendor demonstrations for students, faculty and staff.

“I don’t know of any university that is doing this in such a comprehensive way,” said Dr. Wes Fondren, associate provost for AI, academic technology and professional development at CCU, on the initiative.

He kicked off the conference on Monday, October 14, with an overview of how CCU is beginning to use AI for academics, research and operations. And he will address the CCU Board of Trustees’ Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee on Thursday, October 17, on AI initiatives and investments.

He said part of his report will urge the board to invest in AI.

“We need an investment in this for our faculty. If we don’t give you the tools to learn to use, then we are choosing to go backwards.”

Fondren said CCU’s vision is threefold: providing faculty with access to AI tools for teaching; teach students to use AI effectively and ethically for learning and in their future careers; and to train staff to use AI tools to improve university operations.

He cited a study last month in the Chronicle of Higher Education that interviewed 4,000 students from 16 universities about the use of artificial intelligence in education.

Fondren said 86% of respondents “admitted” to using programs and apps like ChatGPT, Google Assistant and Grammarly, meaning the percentage is likely even higher. He said many students think the use of AI is prohibited, and in some places and ways it is.