As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, Keuka College faculty gathered this week to discuss its benefits, risks, and ethical challenges in the classroom.
Titled “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?”, the Spring 2025 STAR Faculty Panel brought together experts from multiple disciplines to explore AI’s potential impact on teaching and learning. The discussion, held Tuesday in Hawkins Lounge, was moderated by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Heather Maldonado and featured Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Dr. Cassie Hey ’04 M’07, Associate Professor of English Dr. Steven Kapica, and Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Spanish Dr. Malia Spofford-Xavier.
The panelists agreed that when used thoughtfully, AI tools such as ChatGPT can enhance learning by generating case studies, refining in-class activities, and streamlining routine tasks. However, they also warned against overreliance, particularly regarding accuracy and originality.
“AI gets to where it gets from scraping from the internet,” Dr. Maldonado told the audience. “And I don’t know if you’ve all noticed, but sometimes the internet is wrong.”
Dr. Kapica described AI as an umbrella turned inside-out. “It’s catching everything that falls into it,” he said, “then it unceremoniously dumps everything on top of us.”
Despite these concerns, Dr. Hey emphasized AI’s practical benefits in the classroom, particularly when used as a supplement rather than a substitute. “I have found it to be extremely helpful,” she said, citing her experience using AI to assist with course materials.
The conversation also explored broader concerns about AI’s future. Dr. Spofford-Xavier noted that academic achievement thrives on originality and creativity, warning that excessive AI use could create a cycle of regurgitated ideas.
“If all we’re doing is generating what’s been generated in the past through pattern recognition,” she said, “at some point, we find ourselves in a loop where nothing new can come about.”
Despite such worries, the panelists encouraged students to engage with AI critically and ethically—a skill they believe will be increasingly valued by employers.
“The best thing we can do,” said Dr. Spofford-Xavier, “is what we’re doing here—producing the best citizens and leaders possible.”
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