Universities are being cautioned against hasty investments in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as the initial enthusiasm appears to be leading to misguided spending. Cameron Mirza, an official at the International Research and Exchanges Board in Jordan, emphasized this point during the Arab Universities Summit held at Al-Ahliyya Amman University.
Mirza noted that the current climate surrounding AI, particularly generative AI, is marked by a “trough of disillusionment.” He pointed out that while there has been considerable hype regarding the potential of AI, reality is starting to set in, revealing flaws in the technology. “We talk a lot about AI slop,” he remarked, referring to the inaccuracy and hallucinations often present in free AI versions. These issues represent additional challenges that must be addressed, as universities grapple with the risks of rushing into AI adoption.
Highlighting the “fear of missing out” among educational institutions, Mirza urged universities to take a more measured approach. “Everyone wants to get on the AI bandwagon,” he stated. “Which is to be applauded, but it needs to be done in a more considered, thoughtful, pragmatic way.” He advocated for a focus on foundational skills and sustainable financial models in implementing AI.
Mirza stressed the often-overlooked financial aspects of AI initiatives, declaring, “AI is not free.” He raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of investments in AI, questioning how universities plan to finance these initiatives not just for the present but for the next five to ten years. “Where is the thinking around sustainable financing for this?” he asked, emphasizing the necessity for institutions to prepare for future costs.
He expressed skepticism regarding universities’ understanding of the return on investment for AI implementations. “I would be shocked if any university was able to tell me what their return on investment for AI was,” he remarked, highlighting a gap in strategic planning that could jeopardize the successful integration of AI across educational institutions.
Manal Jalloul, the founder and CEO of the AI Lab, echoed the need for universities to adapt to the fast-paced evolution of technology. She called for the introduction of AI literacy courses to “democratize” access to the technology among students. Jalloul suggested that if Arab universities aspire to lead the AI revolution, they need to adopt ambitious policies that facilitate students’ progress in this rapidly changing field.
However, she noted that the lengthy cycles of curriculum review in universities can hinder timely updates in educational offerings. “Technology is advancing so quickly. One moment we talk about LLMs, and next we have something else,” she explained. This rapid progression poses challenges for universities attempting to align their programs with the requirements of the job market.
The discussion at the summit underscores a growing recognition within the academic community of the need for careful consideration and planning in AI investments. As technologies evolve, the stakes for universities are high, not just in terms of financial sustainability but also regarding their ability to prepare students for the future workforce. The insights shared by Mirza and Jalloul reflect a pivotal moment for educational institutions as they navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence.
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