Marc Watkins recently delivered a keynote at the (Re)Imagining Liberal Arts & STEM Education in the Age of GenAI Conference at Harvey Mudd, discussing the significance of finding value and meaning in a world increasingly influenced by AI. His presentation built on previous insights shared on the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, providing deeper exploration through his visual slides. Watkins emphasized the importance of dialogue, quoting Molly Roberts from The Washington Post on academia’s role in addressing AI’s challenges, particularly at Ole Miss.<\/p>\n
During his talk, Watkins issued warnings about the widespread use of free AI tools, noting TechCrunch’s report on OpenAI’s ChatGPT reaching 900 million weekly active users by February 2026. While companies like Google and OpenAI have offered students access to premium AI versions, Watkins cautioned that this may not continue indefinitely. He highlighted ethical concerns related to the varying quality of AI tools and the need for academic integrity, referencing the AI assessment scale from Perkins, Furze, Roe, and MacVaugh, and the University of Sydney’s two-lane approach.<\/p>\n
Watkins addressed the challenges of banning generative AI and the costly nature of secure testing environments, which may not accommodate all students. He stressed the need for faculty support and training, acknowledging that large-scale course redesigns require funding and community resources. Watkins also explored ethical issues surrounding AI’s impact on work, quoting Liza Long on cognitive exhaustion in AI collaborations.<\/p>\n
Concerns about AI’s use in education were highlighted, referencing Jeff Young’s podcast, Learning Curve, and a New York Times article about student dissatisfaction with AI-created courses. Watkins advocated for transparency, demonstrating this by detailing AI-generated images in his slides. Despite some critique of AI’s design capabilities, he praised the value of maintaining human creativity in slide deck design.<\/p>\n
Watkins encourages ongoing adaptation to AI developments, referencing resources like The Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching by Annette Vee, Marc Watkins, and Derek Bruff. He advises against stagnation, urging movement even without a clear destination, and suggests Ireland’s All Aboard: Digital Skills in Higher Education Map as a framework for considering AI’s role. For further discussion on AI, Watkins offers questions to spark dialogue in The Norton Guide to AI-Aware Teaching and recommends engaging with his newsletter and LinkedIn.<\/p>\n