Purdue University has become the first U.S. college to announce artificial intelligence graduation requirements, bolstering a nationwide push to adapt U.S. education to emerging workplace needs.
Starting with this fall’s entering freshmen, the Indiana school’s “AI@Purdue” strategy will mandate an “AI working competency” for all undergraduates at its West Lafayette campus and Indianapolis satellite.
Purdue, the state’s largest university, has created five artificial intelligence graduation requirements for more than 44,000 students: Learning with AI, Learning about AI, Researching AI, Using AI and Partnering in AI.
Interesting, there’s praise but also criticism. I mean, there are still so many that are disconnected, it couldn’t hurt. I am one……
“The Purdue plan could easily become another box to check on a punch list for graduation,” said Caroline Levander, a vice president for global strategy at Rice University.
Joe Vercellino, a Michigan author who advises students on how to think critically about AI, pointed to emerging research correlating its growing use to “a decline in critical thinking skills.”
“If the university is teaching AI competency, they are probably already behind on its use,” said Mr. Vercellino, a former Detroit charter school teacher. “It would be comparable to teaching a class on TikTok: Everyone in the room is already lightyears ahead of you.”
Here’s a another article with more information after the trustees’ vote last month: Purdue unveils comprehensive AI strategy; trustees approve ‘AI working competency’ graduation requirement - News
IMO, Purdue is ahead of the curve here, not behind it.
At Purdue, we’re taking the next giant leap by ethically integrating AI across disciplines, empowering every Boilermaker to drive innovation, achieve academic excellence, and conduct transformative research that shapes the future of society. Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Purdue University
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