AI In the Academe

-



From Calculators to AI

There was a time when the calculator, a now indispensable tool, was once met with raised eyebrows and was actually banned inside the classrooms. The skepticism around technology in education is not a new concept and now Artificial Intelligence is getting the same treatment.


The Calculator Conundrum: 

When calculators were first introduced, educators feared it would undermine basic arithmetic skills of students. The calculator made it seem like solving for a particular value "too easy", thus depriving the students of the chance to "stretch their mental muscles" when solving complex mathematical equations. It took time, but eventually, the importance of calculators inside the classroom became undeniable. The calculator went from being banned to being a necessity in the classroom.


AI in the Classroom: 

Fast forward to today, Artificial Intelligence is undergoing a similar trial. AI-powered tools are helping students automate repetitive tasks, offer personalized learning experiences, and provide near-instant access to information. Nevertheless, the concerns about dependency and ethical implications persist, echoing the initial reception of the calculator.


Breaking the Traditional Mindset: 

Just like banning of calculators in the classroom, the fear of AI replacing basic learning skills is widespread. We must realize that AI doesn’t diminish critical thinking or creativity if used properly. Instead, it can enhance these skills by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up time for innovative thinking.


A Look Ahead: 

History shows us that resistance to new technology in education is often a precursor to its eventual acceptance. As we navigate the integration of AI into our everyday lives, it’s crucial to focus on leveraging it as a tool to complement and enhance learning rather than as a crutch. Just as how knowing how to properly use the calculator aided a lot of successful professionals in their chosen fields; students should learn how to properly use AI to help them excel in their future professions.


Full disclosure:  This blog entry was finalized using Apple Intelligence from my original draft/idea.  The graphic was generated using Microsoft Copilot.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GCash Security Scare: Rethinking the Safety of Digital Wallets

-
Image
A few days ago, many people woke up to find unauthorized transactions in their GCash mobile wallets. These transactions, which occurred at a rate of Php 2,000 per transaction, even affected a local actress, drawing widespread attention. While the technical cause of these unauthorized transactions remains a mystery, I believe it’s crucial to address the underlying issue: GCash, and other mobile wallet applications in general, are essentially digital versions of physical wallets. Storing money in wallets, whether virtual or physical, inherently carries risks, with theft being the most significant concern. Physical wallets have been the target of various theft methods, and this raises the question: why do individuals, regardless of whether they use digital or physical wallets, keep a substantial amount of money in their wallets? Wouldn’t it be safer to deposit these funds in a bank or keep them securely at home? While this doesn’t absolve GCash of responsibility, it’s important to recogni...
Read more

When Malware is Digitally Signed by an Anti-Malware Company

-
Image
  In October 2024, a sneaky malware campaign started spreading. The threat actors used a message that looked like it came from the Israeli partner of ESET, a well-known anti-malware company. They targeted Israeli businesses and educational institutions. But here’s the catch: the message didn’t show any signs of having malicious content. Analysts who initially checked out the email thought there was nothing fishy about it. The email warns recipients that their company is being targeted by “state-sponsored threat actors.” It suggests downloading and installing the “ESET Unleashed” app to protect against this threat. The email’s link seems legitimate, pointing to a valid ESET server. The file on the download link contains an executable file (Setup.exe) and four DLL files. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the DLL files are part of ESET’s anti-virus software, but the EXE file is actually a malicious data wiper but it was digitally signed by ESET. This malware has an interesting...
Read more

Tech Party List, A Satirical List

-
Image
  **WARNING:** This post is not intended for individuals who are easily offended. Should you find satirical content objectionable, please leave this page immediately. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. With the Philippine elections coming very soon, One of the most colorful part this national exercise is the proliferation of Party Lists that have a great name recall. In the Philippines, the party-list system is a mechanism of proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives. This system allows national, regional, and sectoral parties or organizations to gain seats in the House based on the proportion of votes they receive. The goal of the party-list system is to ensure that marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society have a voice in the legislative process. Each party-list group represents specific sectors such as labor, farmers, women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups. Voters can choose a party-list group during el...
Read more