Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has advocated for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a learning tool for Ghanaian students, emphasizing the importance of educators designing assessments that foster critical thinking.
Speaking at the Graphic National Development Series (GNDS) at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. Adei argued that banning AI would only hinder progress.
“We can’t go back,” he said, adding that teachers should focus on crafting questions that require analysis and reflection, areas where AI currently falls short.
He emphasized the need for educators to stay ahead of the curve, stating, “The trouble is…often times the students are smarter than the teachers. That’s where the real challenge is. Let them use AI, but ask a question in such a way.”
SEE ALSO: Komenda College of Education trains staff and students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage
AI as a Tool for Learning:
Prof. Adei highlighted AI’s potential as a tool for information gathering and efficiency, but stressed that educators should guide students to think independently.
He shared an anecdote where he tested AI’s limits by posing a question, receiving the response, “I’m only a machine.”
This, he said, demonstrates AI’s lack of true understanding, despite its vast data processing capabilities.
Integrating AI Responsibly:
He urged schools to embrace AI responsibly, citing examples like Ashesi University, where engineering students utilize AI-driven technologies to develop practical solutions.
He advocated for the adoption of technologies like Chromebooks to prepare students for the future, emphasizing the importance of teaching responsible AI usage rather than prohibiting it.
SEE ALSO: Jobs Likely to be Replaced by AI in the Future
Comparing Resistance to AI to Luddism:
Prof. Adei compared resistance to AI to the Luddite movement, which opposed technological advancements.
He warned that an anti-AI stance would be a step backwards, stating, “The problem is not with AI. It’s we catching up so that the students can use AI for the AI things and move forward to do more practical things.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for a curriculum that blends AI with hands-on problem-solving, ensuring that students can effectively utilize AI while developing critical thinking skills necessary for future success.