Reflection Post 3: Mariel Miller’s Guest Lecture on Generative-AI

The guest lecture by Mariel Miller on learning about generative AI made me reflect on how much my own learning has changed as an undergraduate student since AI has been introduced. While the introduction of generative AI has introduced benefits, it has also made me more aware of the responsibility that comes with these tools, being able to use it thoughtfully and ethically in my university learning. Mariel Miller is an educator in the psychology of education who focuses on how learning, teaching, and technology interact, you can see her website here.

Before AI tools were widely available, most of my academic work involved searching through readings, trying to interpret difficult concepts on my own or waiting for my instructors’ assistance and office hours or my peers’ guidance. Since using AI and learning about the proper use, it has become a learning partner that helps me navigate challenges more quickly and efficiently. A benefit that Mariel discussed that I have also found helpful as a student is personalized support and feedback. In university, it is not always plausible to expect immediate help and guidance from instructors, especially with large lecture sizes, if you are working on something late at night, or if they do not have frequent office hours. Generative AI tools are able to provide support at the moment, allowing me to ask questions, test ideas, or clarify concepts when I need a timely answer. This immediate help and feedback allows me to maintain momentum in my work. I can continue on assignments even if I feel stuck. It is important to still check with your professor, however because of AI, you can still generate content in your allotted work time.

I connected with Mariel’s point that generative AI can be used as a collaborator in the learning process. I try to use it to generate ideas, refine my writing, and explain concepts in different ways instead of asking for quiz answers and to write papers, etc. As a student, I find this helpful because I encounter difficult academic articles or concepts often, and I can use AI to break down the complex language and summarize ideas so then when I read an article, I can actually understand what I am reading. This is a large help to me because it makes the material less overwhelming, and I can approach the content with confidence that I am understanding what I am reading/ learning. This post on linked explores the use of AI as a collaborator in the workplace, which may especially valuable for those of us who are graduating soon and beginning to apply our knowledge of AI in our future careers. The post is published by Quantum Technology Recruiting Inc., a recruiting company specialized in connecting professionals with roles in technology and engineering.

The lecture also identified limitations and risks of relying too heavily on Gen-AI. An important concern for us students is misinformation. AI-generated responses may sound convincing, but they are not always accurate. Trusting AI answers without added research and fact checking can be dangerous for your learning. It is important to double-check information, and have awareness that you should not take everything AI generates at face value. Critical thinking and research is still very essential, even when using AI. This TEDx Talk discusses the risks of AI-generated misinformation and the importance of critically evaluating the information we encounter online. It highlights how developing strong digital literacy skills is essential when using AI tools. Ashley Coffey specializes in emerging technologies like AI, helping people and businesses better understand and use digital tools responsibly.

I also reflected on my own habits when overreliance was discussed. When AI was first introduced and becoming more popular in the first and second year of university, I found myself relying on AI to generate ideas and complete portions of my work because it seemed to reduce my stress and cognitive load. However, I started to notice that I was missing the opportunity to develop my own thinking. With classes that build on one another, I felt as though I didn’t fully understand the prerequisite information because I had been using AI. After noticing this lack of learning, I try to use AI in ways that support my thinking rather than replace it. For example, I will brainstorm ideas for a project or paper myself, and then ask AI to help refine them. By doing this, I noticed that I was much more engaged with my learning process, and I can still use AI as a tool, but it is not my go-to step.

Though I have reflected on my AI use in the past, this lecture helped me further recognize its role in my academic life. My experience as a student and understanding from the lecture has shown me that AI can support my understanding, creativity, and organization, but it works best when combined with my own critical thinking and active engagement in the learning process.