AI in Education: Exploring Cognitive Development and Critical Thinking

Date: Thursday, 2nd May

Time: 5:00 PM (UK time)

Platform: Please press the MS Teams link to join

Dear Academics, Practitioners, and Students,

We are thrilled to invite you to a thought-provoking webinar on the "Potential Implications of AI Text Generators on the cognitive development and the critical thinking skills of business school students," organised by the "OR, Analytics, and Education" Special Interest Group and endorsed by the UK's Operational Research (OR) Society.

About the Webinar:

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve rapidly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) text generators, such as ChatGPT, are reshaping the way we learn and teach. This webinar aims to thoroughly explore the potential implications of these cutting-edge technologies on the future of higher education. Our esteemed speakers will present their valuable insights on the subject, shedding light on various aspects of AI's role in shaping education.

Date and Time:

The webinar will take place on Thursday, 2nd May, starting at 5:00 PM (UK time). We encourage you to mark your calendars and reserve your seat for this insightful event.

Speakers and Presentations:

We have an impressive line-up of speakers who have conducted extensive research on the intersection of AI text generators and higher education. Each speaker will share their unique perspective, covering topics like:

1. Does integrating generative AI into education stifle the development of cognitive skills?

This paper critically examines the influence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the development of cognitive skills within marketing education, with a particular emphasis on its integration into assessment methodologies. As generative AI tools become more prevalent in educational settings, it is imperative to scrutinize their effects on students’ ability to develop critical thinking and other essential cognitive skills. Using audio diaries, this study captures students’ immediate experiences with AI in their learning journeys, providing a window into the nuanced ways these technologies affect cognitive engagement and skill acquisition. Furthermore, the paper suggests an augmented framework for Bloom’s taxonomy, incorporating AI-related competencies to meet the demands of a digitally evolving landscape. The findings aim to guide educators and policymakers in refining curriculum designs and instructional strategies, ensuring that students are equipped with the critical thinking capabilities required for success in an increasingly automated world.

To be presented by Chahna Gonsalves, who is a Lecturer in Marketing (Education) and Marketing Group Education Lead at King’s College London (KCL). She is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, Deputy Chair of the Academy of Marketing Education Special Interest Group, and a Chartered Business Management Educator. Her scholarship focuses on assessment design, effective assessment communication, and workplace readiness in the age of artificial intelligence. Her recent contributions to the field include a co-edited volume on improving learning through assessment rubrics and articles on democratizing assessment rubrics for international students, the role of students-as-partners in informing assessment, and the implications of generative AI in business education. Her work has been published in journals such as Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, and the Chartered Association of Business Schools Blog. Her research and projects have been funded by the UK Council for International Student Affairs and the Academy of Marketing.

2. The influence of AI text generators on critical thinking skills in UK business schools

This study investigates the influence of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), specifically AI text generators (ChatGPT), on critical thinking skills in UK postgraduate business school students. Using Bloom’s taxonomy as theoretical underpinning, we adopt a mixed-method research employing a sample of 107 participants to investigate both the influence and challenges of these technologies in higher education. Our findings reveal that the most significant improvements occurred at the lower levels of Bloom’s taxonomy. We identify concerns relating to reliability, accuracy, and potential ethical implications of its application in higher education. The significance of this paper spans across, pedagogy, policy, and practice, offering insights into the complex relationship between AI technologies and critical thinking skills. While highlighting the multifaceted aspects of the impact of AI in education, this article serves as a guide to educators and policymakers, stressing the importance of a comprehensive approach to fostering critical thinking and other transferable skills in the higher education landscape.

To be presented by Dr. Aniekan Essien, who is a Lecturer in Business Analytics and Programme Director of the BSc in Business Analytics at the University of Bristol, teaching in the areas of Data Analytics in business, Operations, etc. Dr. Essien is an AI / Machine Learning researcher and data scientist with a passion for actualising change and creating impact using technology.

Interactive Sessions:

After each presentation, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with the speakers, seeking clarification and exploring further insights.

How to Participate:

The webinar will be held online via MS Teams. Please press the link to join on that day and time!

Registration:

To secure your spot and receive updates about the webinar, please register through our Eventbrite page.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and contribute to the discourse on the future of higher education. We look forward to your presence at this engaging and enlightening event.

On behalf of the Organising Committee,

Dr. Marios Kremantzis & Dr. Maria Psyllou

University of Bristol & University of Birmingham