Students Share Thoughts on the Use of AI in Higher Education During Panel Discussion

Tue, 02/11/2025 - 09:13am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

The dynamics of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom from a student perspective was the focus of a panel discussion held Jan. 31 in the Joe Paul Theater on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus. 

“Sharing our Perspectives: Student Conversations on AI” was part of the spring 2025 series of presentations by guest experts and group discussions on AI and its impact at the university and in higher education nationwide. The series, titled “AI Conversation: Ethics, Education and Industry” is sponsored and presented by the Southern Miss AI Taskforce, Office of the Provost and the Center for Faculty Development (CFD). 

Among the discussion panelists were Logan Boudreaux, Student Government Association vice president and an undergraduate criminal justice major; Subhikshya Lama, an undergraduate computer science and sociology double major; Dakota Owens, an undergraduate graphic design major; Alexa Tringali, a graduate student in the School of Psychology; and Reagan Veon, an undergraduate marketing major. Dr. Zach Taylor, an assistant professor in the School of Education, served as moderator.

Panelists shared their experiences, insights and cautions regarding the use of artificial intelligence in their courses and training. Among the issues broached were the benefits of open discussions between instructors and students about the do’s and don’ts of AI, moving past stigmatization toward the consideration of the use of certain AI tools that can aid both instructors and the work students produce that ultimately remains the authentic result of their own skill sets and knowledge base. 

Dr. Taylor believes, based on his impressions from the event, that university professionals who discuss AI with students are “effectively de-stigmatizing it for them, which is the first step toward open and productive dialog with students.” He also noted that students’ expression of having disparate experiences with AI at Southern Miss underscored the importance and timeliness of the work of the Center for Faculty Development on educating the university community about AI.

“I hope anyone who attended the session will reflect on their role at the university and how they can be as proactive as possible in learning the mechanics behind AI, basic AI tools, and the ethical implications of replacing human thought and human beings with AI,” Taylor said. “In 2025, we are at the tip of the AI iceberg, and events such as this panel discussion, I hope, will continue to reveal more and more about what is to come.”

Dr. Kelly Lester, associate provost for Faculty Success, and Dr. Melanie Leuty, director of the CFD, believe the ongoing AI discussions and programming are proactive ways to help inform members of the campus community about this technology’s role in higher education and the ethical and effective use of it in the work of students, instructors and researchers.

“The leadership of Dr. Lester and Dr. Leuty on the AI task force thus far has been fantastic, and I hope they keep the conversation going in creative and new ways,” Taylor further noted.

For more information about the CFD’s educational programming on AI, including how to register for presentations and training sessions, visit Center for Faculty Development | The University of Southern Mississippi.