Complete disclosure: Dixon is not what you would call an early adopter or even passionate of technology, in itself. His presence on social networks is limited to his LinkedIn profile. But, as he is a scholar in workers’ insecurity – Dixon also teaches a seminar called precarious work – he recognized the potential threat to certain industries and the opportunities it offered to others. He decided to seek and teach the subject more directly.
“I adopted a kind of” Game of Thrones “approach from AI, which is adapted or dying,” said Dixon.
Now he sees his trajectory reflected in the experience of his students.
“The views have become more nuanced”
“One of the things that have been impressed to me is that my students say that their opinions have become more nuanced,” said Dixon. “It depends on the use case. Thus, while some students could be a little more positive on AI and health care, they could be much less positive about AI in work and business. ”
In other words, it is difficult to be in the middle of the road with regard to AI.
Sarah Walicki ’25 is a major in sociology with minors in deaf studies and environmental studies, and will continue a master’s degree in general and special education after obtaining the diploma. Like Yanco, Walicki also started his AI study with an apprehension approaching resistance. “Entering the classroom on the first day, I was anti-ai,” she said. “I was not informed and I learned that AI could only be considered cheating.”
Now, Walicki has a pragmatic vision: “I am starting to see the potential of a career focused on the ethical implementation of AI in education – something that I have never imagined was at hand.
“I am realistic,” she continues. “I understand the reasons why AI has infiltrated in our daily life, our relationships, our schools and our legal / justice systems. The development of AI is inevitable; This will reshape our future and I prefer to be proactive on this subject. ”
The course of Dixon has become a subject of discussion in interviews with Walicki higher education.
“This allowed me to highlight my ability to establish links between disciplines and apply AI to my objectives as a educator,” explains Walicki. “One of my main objectives is to provide equitable and equitable access to education thanks to the understanding of social contexts that shape the class experience of a student. My practice as an educator will inevitably have components of AI and I want to develop alongside technology, rather than rushing to catch up.
“Am I always afraid that AI will decrease our ability to think critically?” Yes, ”she notes. “But I think that knowledge of positive uses will reduce this impact. Although I start to see the positive points of AI, I always attach myself to the moral dilemma of what increased technology means for humanity. modern and adapting world. »»
