Academic Education in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This paper provides a technical review of Generative AI technology and its challenges and opportunities in the education sector. Generative artificial intelligence (GAI), exemplified by tools such as ChatGPT, has been increasingly integrated into our daily lives. It has also attracted significant research efforts from both academia and industry to address real-world problems in various applications, such as finance and healthcare. Generative AI is indeed a type of Artificial Intelligence that can efficiently ``create'' a wide variety of information in the form of images, videos, audio, text, and 3D models. Therefore, it can facilitate data analysis and visualization and enhance personalized and adaptive learning in education. Although instructors and teachers will not be completely replaced by Generative AI, education and academic course delivery are expected to undergo a revolution with the presence of GAI. Similar to other emerging technologies, GAI brings both serious potential challenges and opportunities when employed in the education sector.