Te Herenga Waka collaborative debate—AI in the academy

AI in academia sparks debate at Victoria University of Wellington, exploring its impact, challenges, and ethical implications. Join the critical conversation.

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly changing the landscape of academia—the tools at our disposal as academics, how we teach, research, and produce knowledge. AI can be viewed as a game-changer—automating and outsourcing mundane tasks and processes. It can also be viewed as a threat to the ‘core business’ of intellectual life, or raise questions about how knowledge is produced and used, especially in Aotearoa New Zealand. This collaborative debate draws together the perspectives of academics from across Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, inviting a critical conversation exploring the promises and perils of AI in academia.

AI in the academy will take place as a collaborative debate moderated by Professor Ali Knott, School of Engineering and Computer Science. In this format, speakers are encouraged to find common ground before presenting their differing viewpoints. The goal is not necessarily to win over the other side, but to reach a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of AI. This type of debate emphasises listening, mutual understanding, open-mindedness, and respect for different perspectives.

The debate will be structured into three parts, covering different aspects of academic work and areas where AI might play a role:

AI in research

Ally Gibson, School of Health
Andrew Lensen, School of Engineering and Computer Science

AI in teaching and learning

Simon McCallum, School of Engineering and Computer Science
Sarah-Jane O’Connor, School of Science in Society

AI in knowledge production

Alex Beattie, School of English, Film, Theatre Studies, Media, Communication and Art History
Tanya Ruka, School of Design Innovation

A group of academics seated on stools in a row, engaged in a panel discussion.

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