Students and professors react to increased AI usage and research at UMKC

  UMKC has adopted new Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses, and teachers are encouraging their students to use AI in the classroom. While some teachers and students are excited for the change, others argue over whether this tool is harming the cognitive functionality of its users.

  Erin Blocher, a professor at the Bloch School of Management at UMKC, claims that AI can make life easier, but she is concerned about its disruption in the workforce. 

“AI sort of displacing people from the workforce is something I’ve got concerns about,”  Blocher said. 

  Studies show many concerns with AI usage, not only within college campuses but also within everyday life. The National Library of Medicine’s study showed there are pros and cons to its usage for students, showing it can positively impact students’ mental health and save time.

  However, the cons suggested that face-to-face contact with others will diminish, and loneliness may increase. 

  Blocher also said that she wants teachers to be properly educated on AI. 

  “I think in the school business, our dean and school leadership have had us doing a lot of exploration on AI as faculty,” Blocher said. “We’ve been learning about it. We’ve got different kinds of working groups and task forces that are thinking about it and looking at how to incorporate it in the right ways.” 

 Peter Morello, an associate emeritus professor at UMKC, agreed with the positive view of AI. 

  “I’m very pro AI,” Morello said. “This is a game changer for the next generation, and the sooner that you introduce yourself to this stuff and get used to it, the better it will help you as you pursue your career goals.” 

  Despite positive perspectives from some professors, students have mixed opinions on AI.

  Keely Keck, a media art and design major, said that she is anti-AI. 

  “It’s majorly dumbing us down. I think that is a real threat to humanity,” Keck said. “I think AI should be used by doctors in medical screenings and looking at ultrasounds for cancer, but I largely think students should not be using it.”

  Angel Te’L, a psychology major, had a massively different opinion.

“I think it’s [AI degrees at UMKC] a long time coming,” said Te’L. “I feel that because it is already accessible, it should be something that is ingrained because people are going to use it anyway.” 

  “[AI] is here to stay,” Morello said. “Industry is embracing it. It won’t go away. That is absolutely for sure.”

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