by Alaiya Saulsby
Artificial intelligence is changing the way college students approach schoolwork, forcing universities across Florida to reconsider how technology fits into the learning process.
From brainstorming ideas to researching topics, AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible to students. But as the technology becomes a larger part of education, universities are also facing questions about academic integrity and whether students are still developing the critical-thinking skills they need.
The Florida Board of Governors has been examining artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as state universities work to determine how AI should be used in higher education.
At Florida A&M University, that conversation includes the university’s AI Council, which focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in teaching, research and university operations.
Deidre Melton, FAMU’s chief AI officer and a member of the AI Council, said AI does not automatically prevent students from developing critical-thinking skills.
“The reality is more complicated,” Melton said. “AI can absolutely reduce thinking if students are only taught to consume answers instead of question them.”
Melton said intentional use of AI can encourage students to evaluate accuracy, identify bias and hallucinations, compare perspectives and challenge assumptions.
For FAMU student Shirley Brooks, AI can be useful when it supports the learning process rather than replacing it.
“I think AI can be helpful if you’re using it to understand something or even get started, but you still have to make sure you’re doing the work yourself,” Brooks said.
The same question is being considered by students at The University of South Florida, where AI tools are also becoming part of the college experience.
FSU student Mackenzey Osgood said students have to be intentional about how much they rely on the technology.
“There’s definitely a difference between using AI as a resource and depending on it to give you the entire answer,” Osgood said. “At the end of the day, you still have to understand what you’re turning in.”
The growing use of AI is forcing universities to reconsider how learning is measured. Traditional assignments often emphasize recalling information, while AI can provide information almost instantly.
For Melton, that shift means higher education has to focus less on simply accessing information and more on teaching students how to evaluate it.
“The issue isn’t the technology,” Melton said. “It’s whether higher education redesigns learning for a world where information is instant, but judgment is still human.”
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