The recent rise of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool, has sparked a lot of debate and discussion about its potential use in academia. While some people fear that this technology will lead to an increase in plagiarism or strip away the human element in the learning process, others believe that it could actually enhance the educational experience.
One notable figure who holds a different perspective is Klara Jelinkova, the Vice President and University Chief Information Officer at Harvard University. Klara believes that in order to stay ahead of the curve, it is important for universities and educational institutions to embrace technology and new innovations like ChatGPT.
In a recent lecture at Aga Khan University, Klara spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system and how it has pushed many universities to pivot towards online learning. She stated that the use of AI in education is not about replacing traditional face-to-face learning, but rather about preparing students for a world where AI plays a significant role in their lives.
Klara believes that universities must start teaching students how to use AI in an ethical and accurate manner, and that AI could actually help to make people more human. She also mentioned that the design principles of many digital platforms still largely mimic face-to-face instruction and traditional classroom-style practices, but that this could change as technology continues to evolve.
As the person responsible for Harvard University’s information technology strategy and services, Klara has a unique understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in the education system. She leads Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT), which serves over 50,000 educators, students, and staff, and is committed to finding innovative solutions that support the university’s mission of teaching, learning, and research.
The lecture was moderated by Shaukat Ali Khan, the Chief Information Officer at Aga Khan University, and focused on various topics in educational technology, including learning analytics, digital transformation, and AI.