AI: Shaping the Future of Work and Education
AI: The Game-Changer in Science and Industry - Experts Stress Honest Usage
As thousands of new graduates enter the workforce annually in the UAE, the question of how to "properly" apply artificial intelligence (AI) in both education and industry becomes increasingly prominent. AI is not just a technological tool; it fundamentally shapes the future of academia and the business world.
Maintaining Relevance in the Technological World
Both new graduates and students strive to remain competitive in their rapidly evolving environments with the help of AI. Those who ignore this technology could easily fall behind. Many believe educational institutions should integrate AI into their curricula instead of rejecting it.
An example of a coastal engineering graduate illustrates this well. Only after earning their degree did they realize how deeply embedded AI was in their professional environment, despite having barely encountered it before. "I was surprised at how effective these tools are. Tasks that used to take hours can now be completed in minutes," they recount.
Time Savings and Efficiency Increase
They use ChatGPT to reduce monotonous tasks, such as converting images to text, summarizing long documents, and quickly interpreting data. While AI cannot autonomously perform complex engineering tasks, it is an excellent tool for saving time and increasing productivity.
"I advise students to learn how to use AI effectively. It doesn't replace thorough studying or practical experience, but it can significantly ease the workload," they emphasize.
Challenges in Education Regarding AI Use
While workplaces increasingly naturally incorporate AI, educational institutions are still searching for the optimal approach. According to a master's student specializing in machine learning, universities have not yet adapted to the "official" use of AI. "AI helps connect ideas and offers new perspectives that we might never discover otherwise," they state.
However, they warn caution: AI works solely based on what it has been taught. "AI cannot engage in independent creative thinking; this human factor remains indispensable."
The Importance of Transparent and Supervised AI Use
A professor at Middlesex University Dubai emphasizes the necessity of studying AI's technical, ethical, and social aspects. According to an instructor from the American University of Sharjah, the correct use of AI is best learned in an open and supervised environment.
"Transparency and honesty are crucial. AI should not be used in secret, as though it is something forbidden," they say. In their courses, students must declare any use of AI and correctly reference the sources.
AI's Impact on the Future Job Market
While professors agree that AI should be integrated into education, there is disagreement regarding its long-term effects. Payyazhi Jayashree, dean of the University of Wollongong Business School, believes automation may gradually displace entry-level jobs, making "relearning" essential for job market success.
Summary
AI is already revolutionizing the education and industrial sectors in the UAE. Honest and transparent use, consideration of ethical issues, and continuous learning are crucial for technology to truly serve progress. As a professor concluded their thoughts: "I wrote this text myself, without AI. Who knows what AI would have contributed?"
