Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Johnson County residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is a new and rapidly evolving technology that proponents say can revolutionize many aspects of modern life, including teaching and learning. But many people in higher education worry about AI’s impacts and possible abuses, including facilitating cheating and making students’ and staff’s personal data less secure. How should JCCC approach establishing policies and protocols when it comes to the use of AI on campus?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Carlton Abner
We have to consider our role in the regional economy. Although it should not be our only focus, ensuring that we are preparing students for career opportunities and/or the next step in the academic journey has to be the foundational consideration when it comes to policies regarding AI. AI can and should be positioned as a companion to learning and thus, a companion to our aim to prepare students. However, we have to be aware of the need for higher order thinking when it comes to cognitive development. AI allows students to consume large amounts of information which is certainly helpful. It will be up to us as an institution to demonstrate the value of and insist upon incorporating additional analytical and creative tools that maximize cognitive ability. Passive consumption of data is not preparing anyone. Leveraging that passively acquired data to create additional learning tools is where we must focus our attention.
In the classroom, this may mean a return to paper and pencil written opportunities for students to demonstrate that they are progressing on their learning journeys. We will have to innovate and make sure that our students are able to incorporate AI tools into their learning while also protecting them from the more destructive side effects.
Lastly, we’ll have to put in the effort to identify where emerging best practices are taking root and do our best to replicate and evaluate those practices here at JCCC. AI will continue to rapidly impact everything it touches which means in these initial stages, we will have to be flexible and willing to make rapid adjustments on our end as well.
Chad Carroll
I believe JCCC should utilize the established shared governance processes and procedures in place to establish clear guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence. While it is important that JCCC embraces new technologies to prepare our students for the future, we must ensure artificial intelligence is utilized in an appropriate and ethical manner.
Jerry Charlton
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Lee Cross (incumbent)
JCCC is currently in the process of creating an overarching artificial intelligence (AI) policy and has established an AI Task Force to engage with key constituencies, including administration, staff, and faculty. The college has a robust technological infrastructure in place to protect data privacy and continually reviews its risk management policies to adapt to new challenges.
As an institution, we need to ensure that we are encouraging the ethical use of AI while also preparing our students for the future workforce. The Board’s role is to oversee this ongoing work, including reviewing, making recommendations, and ultimately approving college policies crafted via our shared governance processes and developed by internal (and external) experts. We will continue to adapt to changing technologies and do what is best for our students, employees, and the community.
Mark Hamill (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Geoff Holton
I believe that Artificial Intelligence is an investment that should be on the radar at JCCC. I am not completely aware of all the challenges and security risks, however I have seen some of the great things that it can accomplish. I do feel we should be going towards it, partnering with experts, and identifying how best to safely incorporate it and use it at JCCC for both faculty and students. I own an advertising agency, and I have seen the power of it in both strategy and graphic design. We should be doing what we can to provide this power to our graduates so they can move ahead of those in the industry that are not leaning in.
Dawn Rattan (incumbent)
We should definitely focus on the evolution of AI in education as the lines of virtual and reality become more blurred. It is my hope that AI is harnessed to become another tool to help students think critically and succeed rather than a crutch. JCCC should collaborate with other schools to find, create and apply best practices for AI. The right resources should have input on the policies and protocols and we should review them regularly for relevance.
Kenneth Stokes
Did not provide the Post with a response.
