| AI Capability | Promise (Benefits) | Peril (Risks) | Why It’s a Conundrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) | Assists writing, idea generation, faster learning | Enables plagiarism, contract cheating, loss of originality | The same tool that supports writing can replace genuine student work |
| Personalized Learning Systems | Tailored instruction, adaptive feedback, improved outcomes | Reduced independent thinking, over-reliance on AI guidance | Personalization can turn into dependency |
| Automated Assessment & Feedback | Faster grading, consistent evaluation, scalable teaching | Superficial feedback, misjudgment, lack of human nuance | Efficiency may come at the cost of meaningful evaluation |
| Data Analytics & Learning Analytics | Identifies struggling students, improves retention | Privacy invasion, surveillance of student behavior | Helping students requires collecting sensitive data |
| AI Tutoring Systems | 24/7 support, accessible learning for all students | Students may bypass effort or critical engagement | Support can become substitution for learning |
| Research Assistance Tools | Faster literature reviews, idea synthesis | Misinformation, hallucinated sources, shallow research | Speed conflicts with academic rigor and accuracy |
| Automation of Academic Tasks | Reduces workload for students and staff | Skill erosion (writing, analysis, problem-solving) | Saving time may weaken core academic skills |
| Accessibility Tools (e.g., translation, speech AI) | Supports diverse learners and inclusivity | Unequal access, widening digital divide | Improves equity but may create new inequalities |
| AI in Decision-Making (admissions, grading) | Data-driven, potentially more objective decisions | Algorithmic bias, lack of transparency | Objectivity claims can hide systemic bias |
myPATH
Equity Institute