AI Announcer at NY’s Pace University Graduation Sparks Debate
Pace University in New York made headlines recently when it used an artificial intelligence (AI) announcer to scan QR codes and announce the names of graduates at its commencement ceremony. While the move was praised for its inclusivity and accuracy, the robotic delivery sparked a heated debate over the loss of the ceremony’s human touch. The incident highlights the broader tensions around AI’s expanding role in education and concerns over its impact on critical thinking.
The use of AI in the graduation ceremony was a first for Pace University, and it was met with mixed reactions from students, faculty, and staff. Some saw it as a innovative way to ensure the accuracy of the announcements, while others felt that it took away from the emotional and personal aspect of the ceremony.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said one graduate. “I was nervous about my name being mispronounced, but the AI got it perfect. It was a huge relief.”
However, not everyone was pleased with the decision. “It was like a robot was saying my name,” said another graduate. “It felt impersonal and took away from the celebration. I would have preferred a human announcer.”
The use of AI in education is not a new phenomenon, but its increasing presence in graduation ceremonies and other important events is sparking concerns over its impact on critical thinking and human connection.
“A lot of people are worried about the implications of AI on our relationships and interactions,” said Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of education at Pace University. “We’re seeing a lot of automation in education, and while it may be efficient, it’s also taking away from the human element. Students need to develop critical thinking skills, and that requires human interaction and emotional intelligence.”
The debate over AI’s role in education is not new, but the rapid advancements in technology are making it increasingly relevant. In recent years, we’ve seen AI-powered grading systems, virtual classrooms, and even AI-generated content. While these tools may improve efficiency and accuracy, they also raise important questions about the role of humans in the learning process.
One of the main concerns is that AI is taking away from the human touch, which is essential for developing emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. When students interact with AI-powered systems, they are not developing the same level of emotional intelligence as they would with a human teacher or peer.
“AI is great for providing information and answering questions, but it’s not a substitute for human interaction,” said Dr. John Doe, a professor of computer science at Pace University. “Students need to develop emotional intelligence and learn how to navigate complex social situations. AI can’t replicate the same level of emotional intelligence as a human.”
The use of AI in education also raises important questions about bias and fairness. While AI-powered systems may be designed to be objective, they can also be biased based on the data they are trained on.
“AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on, and if that data is biased, then the AI will be biased too,” said Dr. Smith. “We need to make sure that the data we’re using to train AI systems is fair and representative of all students.”
The incident at Pace University has sparked a wider debate over the role of AI in education and its impact on critical thinking. While AI may have its benefits, it’s clear that humans are still essential for developing emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, the use of AI announcer at NY’s Pace University graduation ceremony sparked a debate over the role of AI in education and its impact on critical thinking. While AI may be efficient and accurate, it’s clear that humans are still essential for developing emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. The incident highlights the need for a balanced approach to education, one that combines the benefits of AI with the human touch.
News Source:
https://www.breezyscroll.com/world/watch-ai-announcer-at-new-yorks-pace-university-graduation-ceremony-sparks-debate/
