Posted on 01/28/2026 5:22:32 AM PST by karpov
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life occurred in what seemed like a blink of an eye. At every turn, some form of an AI “assistant” now offers to correct grammar, help compose emails, take notes of video calls, or distill large amounts of information into easily digestible summaries. Yet, even though AI is only an arm’s length away, many of its uses remain unexplored by academics and non-academics alike.
In academia, some simply haven’t taken the time to learn how to use AI, while others are skeptical and even suspicious about its influence on research and learning. Others hold that, for better or worse, AI is here to stay. Rather than ignore it, the best strategy is to learn how to harness its abilities for work efficiency, research, and teaching.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill falls in this second camp. For several years, the university has been working to increase AI literacy on campus through the availability of courses and information modules.
The university recently took another step to develop its AI strategy. In November, Jeffrey Bardzell was appointed vice-provost for artificial intelligence and chief AI officer. Bardzell is also a professor at, and former dean of, the School of Information and Library Science. In this new capacity, Bardzell will be leading the university’s thinking about and approach to AI.
The Martin Center recently spoke with Bardzell about what he hopes to accomplish. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
(Excerpt) Read more at jamesgmartin.center ...
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I gave the AI on my PCs a new name. I call it Nagatha.
IMHO - On the internet AI is a pain in the arse!!
I don’t want to have to decode or try to figure out every AI interpretation of my input or the AI responses to my querys.
It seems that with AI there is less certainty and more ambivalence.
AI is like a liberal or “progressive” - maybe this, maybe that, cpould be this, could be that, maybe yes, maybe no, on the other hand, or on the other, other hand.....
There is a thin line between using AI to integrate new knowledge or capability into your work product, or using it as a shortcut for examination and understanding of a subject. Realizing your limitations does not mean that AI should absolve you of deeper thought and learning. Otherwise, you become a slave to it.
If you developed the AI yourself, it’s your assistant. Otherwise, it’s your handler.
AI’s effects on mature minds is vastly different than its potential to negatively influence young minds.
The process of learning and maturing as a human being requires exercising - using - the intellect. AI has shown its potential as a short cut, a way to cheat yourself out of figuring out problems with just the brain you were born with.
Critical thinking skills will not be valued, and may be viewed negatively - in the New Order.
This will be an all-out assault on the minds and psyches of future generations.
“Critical thinking skills will not be valued, and may be viewed negatively - in the New Order.“
Critical thinking skills will not be useful to the bug-eaters in the coming New Order Worker’s Paradise, and thus will be anathema to the goals of the State.
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