Artificial Intelligence: Should Christian educators worry or welcome it? [Double Feature]
Yes, two Christian colleges say.
Should Christian Higher Ed Be Worried About AI?
David Kotter, dean of the School of Theology at Colorado Christian University, says that while AI has been overhyped, it also has potential to revolutionize the field of higher ed. So much so, Kotter says, it can’t be ignored.
Kotter offers six suggestions for incorporating AI tools into higher ed…
Use your imagination.
Avoid all-or-nothing thinking.
Beware of the temptations involved.
Professors, take the lead.
Unleash language translation.
Incorporate AI into travel courses and beyond.
Kotter warns against relying too heavily on AI for tasks that require human spiritual engagement, such as composing sermons, but he encourages using it as a research assistant and for tasks like translating biblical texts.
Overall, Kotter says Christians should approach AI with discernment, leveraging its benefits while remaining aware of its limitations and potential pitfalls.
Why Biola Started What Could Be the First Interdisciplinary AI Lab at a Christian University
Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Arena, the dean of Biola’s Crowell School of Business, sees the potential danger of AI but, like Kotter at CCU, also believes it can improve education. To that end, Biola University has established the first interdisciplinary AI Lab in a Christian university.
The Lab aims to explore how AI can be used in a redemptive way rather than fearing it. One professor at Biola redesigned his curriculum after engaging with AI and discovered the benefits of personalized training and practical applications.
The Lab hopes to serve as a resource center and research center for AI, exploring ethical issues and biblical principles. The lab offers a space for students and faculty to experiment and engage in Socratic debates about AI.
At the AI and the Church Hackathon, Arena discussed the importance of understanding and engaging with AI instead of running from it. He believes Christians should establish boundaries for AI and not let it replace human relationships or spiritual practices.
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