AI-Enhanced Textbooks Raise Concerns Among University Professors

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated into education, particularly through online textbooks that feature enhanced, interactive capabilities.

These "smart" textbooks allow students to engage with the material in new ways, providing personalized explanations and access to built-in AI tutors. This not only helps with understanding complex topics but also allows for interactive learning experiences, where students can receive tailored feedback based on their individual processing techniques.

The University of Iowa (UI) has established guidelines for AI usage that categorize risks into low, medium, and high levels. They also offer resources on their website to help students and staff understand and utilize AI technologies effectively.

One notable player in this space is VictoryXR, a company dedicated to merging virtual reality with AI to enhance learning environments. Their platforms facilitate synchronous interaction among students in a virtual setting, while educators are provided with training and tools to leverage 3D objects for teaching various subjects.

"Now everyone has an instructor inside their computer, providing explanations that are impressive and high-quality," says Steve Grubbs, CEO of VictoryXR and a UI alumnus.

Grubbs also discusses the future of job roles, predicting that fields such as coding and law will see reduced demand as AI technology progresses. He warns that this shift could significantly disrupt the educational landscape that prepares individuals for these professions.

Despite these advancements, Grubbs believes that the role of teachers will evolve rather than disappear. He asserts that while AI can deliver information effectively, the "human humanness" in teaching remains irreplaceable.

However, not all educators share this optimistic view of AI in classrooms. Stephanie Haase, a biology professor at UI, recognizes some beneficial uses of AI but is cautious about its impact on student engagement. She explains that while AI can generate testing questions, it often does not provide the necessary steps to arrive at these answers, hindering deeper learning experiences.

Haase is concerned that reliance on AI can lead to a passive learning approach. She believes that personal interactions with real instructors are more engaging than depending on AI technologies.

Both Haase and Grubbs recognize that AI could aid in translating text and supporting students in online note-taking by generating questions that promote further understanding of the material. Additionally, AI can provide feedback on essays, highlighting areas for improvement.

Kylah Hedding, a journalism professor at UI, emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to use AI effectively rather than allowing it to undermine their efforts. She acknowledges the potential benefits of AI as a study aid but stresses that students must grasp fundamental concepts before AI can be genuinely useful in crafting arguments or writing.

Hedding expressed that while AI can serve to identify problems in writing generated by students, she doubts its capacity to stimulate critical thinking.

In contrast, Grubbs argues that AI can enhance educational opportunities and offers additional avenues for students to engage with learning material. He highlights innovations like those from VictoryXR, which challenge students to engage in discussions with AI on various topics, increasing their knowledge base.

Despite promising advantages, issues surrounding the integration of AI in education persist, with Grubbs drawing parallels to everyday conveniences that may reduce engagement. He believes that AI-powered textbooks and tutoring could potentially reshape the future of education.

"A lot more is on the horizon," Grubbs said.

AI, Education, University