[Video] AI in the Classroom

3 eras of AI, anticipating its risks, and creating educational policy

John Dyer is helping lead the way in how seminaries and universities are thinking about AI in education. In this video, he explores how AI is being used in education and what some of its potential impacts might be.

Dyer starts with an overview of the 3 phases of AI's 70-year history . . .

• Programmatic AI

• Discriminative AI

• Generative AI

He follows it with recent advancements, highlighting generative AI and its ability to produce realistic images and videos. The use of AI in education is also discussed, including examples such as nursing education using robotic mannequins and VR simulations.

Dyer also mentions AI's potential for Bible translation, video generation, and curriculum development. He provides examples of tools and technologies that utilize AI, such as ChatGPT for generating Bible study outlines, voice recognition systems for language translation, and Pulpit AI for sermon editing and social media promotion. He emphasizes the benefits of using AI in education while acknowledging ethical concerns and potential misuse of the technology. Beyond using AI for good or bad purposes, he points out how it shapes individuals.

Dyer then shifts to discuss the concepts of filter bubbles, surveillance, and biases in AI algorithms. He highlights the potential risks and limitations of generative AI, such as errors and biases, as well as the increasing power of AI and its potential to consume resources. He asks whether AI can show empathy, using an example of an AI chatbot that elicits personal and intimate questions from users. Even if AI doesn’t possess true empathy, Dyer says, people may turn to it as a non-judgmental and always-available resource.

For educators and students, Dyer emphasizes the importance of human interactions and the need for people to develop skills without solely relying on AI. He provides guidelines for students and faculty regarding the use of AI, and then concludes with a discussion of policy on AI and plagiarism at his own school, Dallas Theological Seminary.

Watch the full video here.