Empowering the Future: How Students Can Leverage AI for a Competitive Advantage
Dr Ben Siu, a lecturer at the University of Plymouth, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is an invaluable tool for enhancing creativity among students. He highlights how learning about generative AI can equip students with skills that will provide them with a competitive edge in their future careers.
Business and Marketing students have recently been introduced to lessons on using AI software designed to automate various tasks. This innovative technology enables users to input questions or prompts, generating text, images, sounds, and videos based on internet data. Students were also taught methods such as creating podcasts or crafting social media posts through the use of precise prompts tailored for specific datasets.
Many students expressed their appreciation for these AI classes, finding them to be a safe environment where they could develop valuable skills without feeling overwhelmed. One student, Hannah Kelk, shared that her initial skepticism about AI has diminished due to increased knowledge and understanding gained through the courses. Another participant, Katie Lee, echoed this sentiment by noting how universities are ideally positioned to prepare students for new technological advancements in a supportive setting.
Dr Siu emphasizes that while AI will indeed automate routine tasks, it offers opportunities for efficiency and alternative perspectives that can significantly enhance job performance. He points out the potential of AI in reducing reliance on human workers, which could give entrepreneurs an edge by allowing them to focus more on creative endeavors without having to manage traditional staff.
The lecturer stresses that his goal is not to replace creativity with technology but rather to use AI as a tool for amplifying and channeling students’ innovative thinking. This approach aims to liberate time traditionally spent on repetitive tasks, encouraging students to concentrate solely on the more enjoyable aspects of their work—the creative process itself.
The incorporation of generative AI into university curricula reflects a growing recognition that technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in modern industries. By providing such learning opportunities, institutions like the University of Plymouth are equipping their students with the skills needed to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
