Artificial Intelligence has been around since the mid-20th century, but it’s a technology that has garnered increased attention in the past few years. AI involves creating machines that can think and act like humans, with goals such as recognizing patterns, making decisions and forming judgments similar to human reasoning. From writing and art to photography and video production, AI is making a significant impact across various fields, becoming an integral part of our lives — a change I believe we must embrace.

In education, AI is a powerful tool that can automate tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. AI-driven platforms also make education more accessible by providing tutoring, language translation and resources for disabled students or those in remote areas.

Many incredible projects were showcased during the Summer Scholars program, each demonstrating the motivation and enthusiasm of the students involved. This program would not have been possible without the support of David Brown, associate dean in the School of Humanities and Sciences and Te-Wen Lo, associate professor in the Department of Biology ensured that students had the resources they needed. I believe the program is an excellent platform for students to deepen their understanding of subjects they’re passionate about.

Senior Vanessa Mpofu and I collaborated with Professor John Barr on developing a course assistant website called ICGenius, initially designed for Computer Science students at Ithaca College. This was my second year as a Summer Scholar, and the experience was invaluable. This web application provides access to course-specific materials and includes an AI assistant called BomberBuddy, which generates responses based on the uploaded content. The platform also features a discussion forum where students can interact with teaching assistants or professors.

The use of AI has increasingly sparked debate, with no definitive argument that it is inherently good or bad — it truly depends on how it is used. Vanessa and I wanted to build a tool that would improve the lives of students and professors. It combines the structure of an educational platform with AI capabilities, generating responses based on the material taught in class and provided by professors.

Given AI’s impact on education and the workforce, I believe it is one of the most revolutionary advancements of our time. We live in an era where everything is accessible with just one click. When used correctly, AI can enhance the quality of our work and free up time for creative pursuits.

However, it’s important not to become reliant on these tools, as that could lead to dependency. Striking the right balance is crucial.

Concerns about AI’s ethical implications and impact on the job market are valid. AI is still in its infancy and will take time to refine. However, those who know how to use AI effectively will find themselves in high demand in the workplace because of their efficiency.

Ithaca College is gradually integrating AI into its systems, and our project aims to contribute to this effort. We want ICGenius to be a valuable resource for students, providing them with the best possible support. AI has undeniably become a part of our lives, so it’s better to embrace this change and use it in ways that make life easier for both students and professors.

Our project is still a work in progress, with much to do before the official launch, including user testing, designing the professor interface and adding virtual study groups. Nevertheless, we are excited to continue developing this project during our senior year.

As a junior web developer in the Department of Information Technology and Analytics, this project has allowed me to enhance and apply my skills in new ways, providing valuable learning experiences. In today’s world, AI is unavoidable, so it is better to embrace it and integrate it into our lives. AI is a great tool when used correctly. It depends on the individual to use it wisely.