Campus by Times Higher Education
Campus: Pros and cons of AI in higher education
Feb 20, 2025
Joining the discussion are Shaolei Ren, an expert in AI's environmental impacts at UC Riverside; José Bowen, co-author of a practical guide on teaching with AI; and Shushma Patel, pro vice-chancellor for AI at De Montfort University. They explore the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water footprint, and argue for a balanced approach to its integration in higher education. The conversation covers strategies for sustainable AI implementation, the need for AI literacy among educators, and the transformative potential of AI for personalized learning experiences.
01:19:57
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Quick takeaways
- AI's environmental impact necessitates awareness among universities regarding water and energy consumption in data centers.
- The thoughtful integration of AI in education can enhance teaching while requiring adaptations in curricula and assessment methods.
Deep dives
Environmental Impact of AI
AI has significant environmental implications, particularly regarding water use and energy consumption. Research indicates that the global demand for AI could account for billions of liters of water by 2027, highlighting a need for awareness among universities with sustainability commitments. The conversation delves into how AI training and data centers consume vast amounts of energy, contributing to carbon emissions and local water stresses. However, it also suggests that AI can potentially aid in sustainable practices, such as optimizing renewable energy integration and predicting environmental changes.
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