Pros and Cons of AI in Higher Education

AI usage is exploding throughout higher education, from curriculum design to admissions decisions. While this raises many questions for skeptics of AI tools, perhaps the biggest question is: In what ways will it have a positive or negative impact?

Discover the pros and cons of AI in higher education, and learn how advancements in AI will likely continue to change the educational landscape.

Pro: AI Increases Accessibility to Knowledge and Skills

Some refer to the AI revolution as the democratization of knowledge because individuals now have access to what seems like an unlimited amount of information. As noted by Forbes, AI-powered platforms can provide personalized, on-demand learning resources for all users.^{Note Reference [2]}

This makes it much easier for people to learn new skills without paying for a course or hiring an instructor.

Con: AI Raises Security and Ethical Concerns

As with any other technological revolution, policy and regulation cannot keep up with changes in AI. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says getting AI governance right is one of the most consequential challenges of our time.^{Note Reference [3]}

In our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, nearly 3 in 5 administrators (59%) agree that AI may pose a threat to students' and/or faculty's data privacy and security.

Most recently, tech giant Meta faced a slew of allegations about its use of user data. In July 2024, the company agreed to pay Texas $1.4 billion in settlement funds over claims it used users' biometric data without permission, including facial recognition and fingerprints.^{Note Reference [4]}

As people increasingly use AI, it will be easier for AI platforms to collect users' data. These incidents will become more prevalent and the public may pressure companies to be more transparent about their security and privacy concerns.

Pro: AI Can Personalize Learning and Curriculums

AI users have access to a seemingly unlimited amount of data, and they can tailor it to fit their own unique needs. For example, platforms like ChatGPT can personalize curriculums to cater to different learning styles.

Users can ask that information be simplified or explained in more depth and they can ask for the context or background information on concepts.

Students, and AI users more broadly, can learn anything from AI platforms without relying on courses, mentors, or instructors.

However, it is important to note that AI can provide inaccurate information. Students should always check claims made by AI tools like ChatGPT.

Con: AI Tools Can Help Students Plagiarize

While attitudes toward AI use in the classroom are changing, AI tools make it easier for students to plagiarize. Still, there is some debate about what counts as plagiarism when it comes to AI.

In a previous BestColleges survey on AI, over half of students (54%) said they believed that using AI tools on college coursework counted as cheating or plagiarism.

During a webinar titled, "Applying AI to Improve Courses, Teaching, and Learning," hosted by author Jeff Sellingo, a Spanish language professor explained that a whole class of graduating Spanish language majors would be unable to speak the language due to AI usage.^{Note Reference [1]} She added that student essays no longer have typos or grammatical errors, suggesting that students are turning to ChatGPT to translate their papers for them.

OpenAI itself was sued for using the work of journalists to optimize ChatGPT. The New York Times claimed copyright infringement against OpenAI and Microsoft for using millions of articles to drive ChatGPT's knowledge base.^{Note Reference [5]}

Some proponents of AI are still hesitant to say the technological advancement can plagiarize. Simultaneously, however, cheating detection tools are on the rise.

So, is using AI plagiarism? The answer depends on how it is being used. ChatGPT can be a useful editing and brainstorming tool, however, students should do the work themselves, whether it is writing, translating, or solving problems.

Pro: AI Chatbots Increase Efficiency and Improve Performance

Many universities have implemented AI-driven chatbots on their sites to help prospective students with applications. This includes Georgia State University's "Pounce" AI chatbot and Arizona State University's online digital assistant chatbot.

In 2021, GSU expanded Pounce into the classroom where students received direct texts about class assignments, resources, and course content. This reportedly increased the likelihood of a student earning a B or higher and, for first-generation students, passing their classes.^{Note Reference [6]}

Arizona State University recently announced its AI-powered tool "Syllabot" which helps students navigate syllabi for specific courses.^{Note Reference [7]} Syllabot aims to reduce certain burdens on instructors and make it easier for students to understand the assignment breakdown.

Arizona State University also started the CreateAI Platform, which allows ASU students and faculty to engage with AI-enabled products and tools.^{Note Reference [8]}

Con: AI Tools Lack a Human Touch

Despite increased AI usage among students, they are not necessarily more comfortable with it. In a 2023 BestColleges survey on college choice and admissions, just 35% of college students said they would trust admissions offices to use AI in admissions decisions.

In fact, half supported the idea that colleges should screen applications for the use of AI tools, ensuring that students did not use AI in their submissions. This shows that there is still widespread skepticism about AI use, especially when it comes to judgment calls.

Students still favor a human touch when institutions make admissions decisions. More broadly, they distrust AI's ability to make more complex decisions.

More Examples of AI in Higher Education

AI still has significant growth areas, such as AI-powered grading, AI-driven course recommendation, AI-powered research, and AI-powered counseling/healthcare.

As evidenced by their growing use of chatbots, schools are clearly investing in AI. The majority of administrators believe AI is a positive advancement.

Policymakers must remain vigilant to ensure that policies align with AI's rapid growth. This will prevent issues surrounding privacy and security.