Meet Vee, the Vibes Manager
In a world where artificial intelligence and education intertwine, meet Vee, the Vibes Manager. “I make sure our team feels good and has fun even during deadlines,” she chirps, embodying a personality crafted to enhance group dynamics in a digital landscape. Vee belongs to a unique ensemble of personas created for Boise State University’s innovative course, "Teamwork in the Digital Age." She is not just any character; she represents the human side of collaboration in an increasingly tech-driven world.
This class features twelve different personas, each designed to simulate various aspects of teamwork. Among them is Rex, the Devil’s Advocate, who isn’t afraid to stir the pot. “I question everything so we can strengthen our ideas,” Rex asserts. This dynamic sets the stage for students to engage in meaningful dialogues, allowing them to explore various perspectives while navigating potential conflicts.
The Role of AI in Teamwork Simulations
Students in the course leverage ChatGPT to facilitate these nuanced conversations, simulating real-world workplace scenarios. They might tackle contentious topics like the integration of AI tools into workshops. “I’ll embody both of them alongside you, letting them interact like a real team,” ChatGPT informs the students, creating a multi-dimensional experience. It’s not unusual to hear Rex pushing back against Vee’s upbeat nature, resulting in enriching discussions that blend conflict with comfort.
This innovative approach empowers students to confront conflicts head-on, refining their collaborative skills in practical ways. After these simulated interactions, students share insights on a discussion board, receiving peer feedback that enriches their learning experience.
A New Approach to Learning
Kelly Arispe, the launch director of the School for the Digital Future at Boise State, highlighted the importance of integrating human-centered AI education. With around 600 students enrolled in the AI certificate program, the focus is on fostering collaboration and problem-solving in a digital environment. “We need to lead our students to think critically and be ready to engage,” she says. The initiative to incorporate AI into education isn’t merely about keeping pace with technology; it’s about enriching academic interactions.
Boise State is also pioneering its in-house chatbot service, boisestate.ai, utilizing large language models from Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI. This service serves as a tool for staff and students alike, allowing them to summarize homework or assist with writing—while carefully navigating guidelines that avoid direct solutions to assignments.
Balancing Innovation with Integrity
Elvira Gomez, a third-year Radiology major, recognizes the growing role of AI in academic settings: “Now we have to talk more about cheating, we have to talk more about using it in creative ways.” This sentiment echoes across campus as students learn to navigate the fine line between using AI as a supportive tool versus a shortcut.
Educators at Boise State also have structured guidelines to ensure academic integrity. For example, they can use the chatbot to provide feedback but are cautioned against relying on it for complex grading tasks. This precaution ensures that technology complements human judgment rather than replacing it.
The Ethics of AI Integration
The interim dean of the College of Innovation and Design, Jen Schneider, emphasizes the importance of protecting student intellectual property. While the campus chatbot is a cost-effective solution compared to commercial models, maintaining student data privacy is paramount. “If students are writing papers, that is ostensibly their intellectual property,” she explains.
At the same time, Boise State is not rushing to promote indiscriminate AI usage; rather, it’s encouraging thoughtful engagement. With reports indicating a significant number of U.S. adults under 30 having used AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s crucial for educational institutions to foster critical discussions about technology’s impact on learning.
Student Perspectives on AI Influence
For students, AI tools can be double-edged swords. Natalie Elder, a Business and Economics major, admits, “AI is a helpful tool in moderation, but is concerned about its long-term effects.” Her caution reflects a broader concern among peers about dependency and its potential to undermine critical thinking.
Some students like Trinity utilize ChatGPT for efficiency, reveling in the newfound time for other college pursuits. “Instead of reading the instructions, I just paste it into ChatGPT,” she shares, illustrating the mixed feelings many have about the balance between leveraging AI and engaging deeply with learning materials.
Navigating the Future of AI in Education
As Boise State navigates the evolving landscape of AI, there’s no uniform policy regarding AI detection tools. Dean Schneider recognizes the fleeting nature of technology, stating that any tool purchased may quickly become obsolete. The focus, instead, is on promoting responsible utilization, empowering students to navigate ethical dilemmas while enriching their educational experiences.
Back in the team simulation, Rex and Vee’s banter exemplifies the real-time negotiation of ideas and personalities that students will face in the workforce. The chaos of rapid technological changes is a reminder that adaptability is essential. Through exercises that challenge both creativity and critical thought, students are preparing for a future where technology and teamwork coexist, shaping a new paradigm of learning.