Key Takeaways
- North Carolina is positioning itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) with college students at the forefront of the technology’s development and implementation.
- AI is being used in various applications, including education, with some universities incorporating it into their admissions processes and curricula.
- Concerns about AI-generated content and the need for regulation are being addressed by state leaders and experts, who emphasize the importance of education and AI literacy.
- The use of AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, with about 20% of US workers using it for at least some of their work and 61% of Americans wanting more control over how AI is used in their lives.
Introduction to AI in North Carolina
North Carolina is emerging as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence, with college students playing a significant role in the technology’s development and implementation. Students at top universities such as UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke are sharing their experiences with AI, which is rapidly evolving and becoming an integral part of their daily lives. Noah Campbell, a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, recalled his early exposure to AI around 2019, describing it as "machine learning, basic image recognition, or text-to-speech." This early exposure has sparked a sense of excitement and curiosity among students, who are now exploring the vast potential of AI in various applications.
The Evolution of AI in Education
AI has come a long way since its early days, and its impact on education is significant. Duke graduate Hannah Ford remembered a winter course on image recognition in 2021, which gave her a sense of being on the cutting edge of something big. Today, AI is being used in various educational applications, including online tutoring, nutrition tracking, and platforms like ChatGPT. The college admissions application process is also changing, with some universities starting to incorporate AI in the application screening process. Campbell highlighted the ability of AI to "take in lots of information and paraphrase it," which is particularly useful for creating study quizzes during exams.
The Benefits and Challenges of AI
While AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, it also raises concerns about its impact on society. Campbell compared AI to fire, noting its potential for both benefit and harm. The high volume of AI-generated content is a concern, and state leaders are working to adapt and implement strong guardrails to regulate its use. According to the most recent Pew Research Center data, about 20% of US workers report using AI for at least some of their work, and 61% of Americans want more control over how AI is used in their lives. This highlights the need for education and AI literacy, which is essential for ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized while minimizing its risks.
The Importance of Education and Regulation
Education is key to unlocking the potential of AI, and experts emphasize the need for AI literacy courses that teach students how to use AI effectively and responsibly. Ford suggested that every student across the country should be required to take an AI literacy course, not just to understand how the models work, but also to learn what to be cautious of and what to be wary of. Campbell believes that regulation will emerge through trial and error, saying, "We can begin to create policy and think about what rules we want in place." State leaders are working to address these concerns, and it is likely that we will see more emphasis on education and regulation in the coming years.
The Future of AI in North Carolina
As North Carolina continues to position itself as a leader in AI, it is likely that we will see more innovative applications of the technology in various fields. The state’s universities are at the forefront of AI research and development, and students are playing a significant role in shaping the future of the technology. With its strong foundation in education and research, North Carolina is well-placed to capitalize on the benefits of AI while minimizing its risks. As the use of AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential that we prioritize education and regulation to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and for the benefit of society.
