The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is rapidly reshaping higher education. Its leading to new opportunities and challenges for business schools (Zawacki-Richter et al., 2019; Mollick & Mollick, 2023). For Jesuit institutions, which are rooted in Ignatian values such as reflection, discernment, care for the whole person and social responsibility, the adoption of AI raises new questions. How can Gen AI technologies be used in ways that reflect the values of Jesuit education? What does it mean to teach and learn ethically in an AI driven world? What risks might they pose to mission driven education?
This project explores the intersection of Gen AI and Jesuit business education with the goal of shedding light on the ethical, pedagogical and institutional opportunities and challenges integrating AI into teaching may present within Jesuit institutions. Based on qualitative interviews, the study examines how Jesuit values such as discernment, reflection, cura personalis, and the pursuit of justice can shape conversations around AI in the classroom. Preliminary themes include the potential of AI to enhance student engagement and individualize education (Holmes et al., 2022). Concerns raised may include depersonalization and the diminishing role of practices such as reflection.
The project contributes to ongoing discussions about the responsible use of emerging technologies such as Gen AI in higher education. For academics it can offer food for thought into the ethical dimensions of AI and well as an examination of how emerging tools might align with or challenge Jesuit pedagogical practices. For students it emphasizes the importance of developing both technological literacy and value-based discernment in an AI driven world.
References
Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign. Retrieved from https://curriculumredesign.org/wp-content/uploads/AIED-Book-Excerpt-CCR.pdf
Mollick, E. R., & Mollick, L. (2023, March 17). Using AI to implement effective teaching strategies in classrooms: Five strategies, including prompts. The Wharton School Research Paper. Available from SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4391243 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4391243 1
Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators? International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0