Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence is here to stay. And Miami University is making sure that they align themselves with modern technology.
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Beginning in the 2027 semester, all academic departments at the university will begin to integrate the use of artificial intelligence into their curriculum.
Miami University to Integrate AI Into Curriculum
Miami says the goal is to have everyone who earns a degree at the University do so with the knowledge of AI. As it relates to the "competencies aligned with their professional fields."
However, the university's announcement drew mixed reactions.
"AI eliminates or severely reduces critical thinking. Which is essentially the entire point of college. Genuinely wtf are we doing?" one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"AI is gradually being introduced into almost all parts of human everyday life," a second user chimed in.
"AI in every class by 2028? Bold move for a world already running on it," a third user sarcastically remarked.
Donna Scarborough, professor and chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University, insists that the decision is a calculated move. She says school officials had already been weighing the integration of artificial intelligence. After doing their own research.
"Our department volunteered to participate in the first cohort because we were already studying AI and how it relates to our major, including both our undergraduate and graduate curriculum," Scarborough said in a press release through the school's website on Tuesday (August 5).
She also explained how Miami plans to roll out the integration of AI into its curriculum.
"AI/technology competencies will be rolled out in different courses and built throughout the curriculum, both for our academic and research courses as well as our clinical courses," Scarborough said. "Our goal will be to develop awareness, agency, application, and accountability specifically related to ethical issues and use."
Scarborough also added that the introduction of AI will initially be on a "foundational level." And that the focus will be on "communication disorders."
"Our introductory course will develop foundational-level awareness of digital technology, AI, and future use specifically within communication disorders," she added.
However, there will also be a "senior-level clinic course," offered by the University. With a focus on "documentation of patient treatment sessions."
