AI is reshaping how we learn and work: UNCW professor weighs in

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Artificial intelligence refers to computer software capable of doing things that humans do like reasoning and decision-making.  

Today, people are using AI increasingly to summarize information, generate images, compile data, help with writing, and more. 

But the technology is advancing at a faster pace than many people can keep up with. The debate continues over whether AI will replace human workers, or help them do their job. 

Dr. Amelia Moody with UNCW’s Watson College of Education is in the latter group.

Moody, who’s chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy, and Special Education, says while there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding AI, it can serve to assist—rather than replace.  

“It’s not going anywhere. It’s going to be in every career that people choose from now on. It’s in agriculture, it’s in STEM, it’s in education, just about everything,” she said. “So, I think it’s important that we embrace the technology and navigate how to teach students, children, and families to use it.”  

She adds the technology is already being used in classrooms across the country.  

As students begin to use AI tools like ChatGPT on their own, Moody says many teachers have begun incorporating how to use AI ethically into their lessons.  

“I’ve seen teachers teach students how to us it to develop an outline for something, to research content and get an idea for a project,” she explained. 

Moody says as those students enter the workforce, they’ll already be accustomed to the idea of AI and how to use it as a tool. 

Though as moody notes, lawmakers are still struggling to regulate the technology and what’s considered ‘ethical use.’ 

“Policies take a great long time and AI doesn’t. I mean it’s coming up very quickly. It’s just moving much faster. So, that’s the challenge I think we face,” she said. 

It’s not just K-12 teachers teaching AI to students either. Moody says many professors at UNCW already incorporate ethical use into their classes. Cape Fear Community College is also launching a new artificial intelligence program this fall.