Dr. Pearl Sumathi, an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education. Her efforts focus on enhancing educational practices by linking theoretical knowledge with practical applications within the business context.
Addressing Concerns and Advocating for AI
While concerns regarding AI contributing to academic dishonesty and diminishing critical thinking abilities have been raised, Sumathi advocates for the technology’s potential benefits. She believes that with appropriate oversight, faculty and students can effectively navigate the challenges posed by AI. Her extensive experience in human resources and talent development, combined with her academic background, strengthens her position as a proponent of AI in education.
Research Focus on AI Applications
Sumathi is committed to clarifying AI’s real-world applications and is centering her postdoctoral research on this topic. She asserts that integrating AI into the curriculum not only enhances educational value but also meets the demand of industries increasingly dependent on such technology.
Innovative Teaching Methods
Among her initiatives, Sumathi has employed the P.A.I.R. Framework—developed by a colleague—to provide students with a systematic approach to evaluating AI tools. Additionally, she has introduced “AI Fusion Day,” an event where students enhance their writing skills through practical experiences with AI tools such as ChatGPT. This hands-on learning strategy enables students to recognize and address common writing challenges.
Fostering Creativity in the Classroom
In her classroom, Sumathi promotes creativity by allowing students to utilize AI in producing skits that connect theoretical lessons with engaging performances. This method reinforces learning while fostering enjoyment in the educational process.
Enhancing Faculty Efficiency
Furthermore, Sumathi is investigating ways in which AI can assist faculty in managing course-related tasks more efficiently, thereby allowing them to focus on teaching and student engagement. She envisions the development of a robust intelligent tutoring system that would provide real-time feedback and support to enhance the student learning experience.
The Future of AI in Higher Education
Emphasizing the importance for universities to adopt a strategic approach to AI education, Dr. Sumathi argues that understanding and leveraging AI tools could significantly improve the standards of higher education. Through her dedication to bridging theory and practice, she aims to prepare her students and educational institutions for success in an increasingly AI-driven future.
Source: Oklahoma State University News.
