- October 1, 2024
Mapúa MCL LEIO Director explores college students' use of Generative AI with the American University of Kyiv
On October 23, 2024, Dr. Ramachandra Torres, Director of the Learning Environments and Innovations Office (LEIO) at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), presented at the Information Technology – New Horizon conference hosted by American University Kyiv. This conference was part of the Cintana Alliance. As part of the Global Signature Course program, his lecture, “AI Hallucination in the Context of Education: Exploring College Student Use of Generative AI for Academic Tasks,” addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the educational landscape, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education.
Dr. Torres began by addressing the phenomenon of AI hallucinations, where generative AI outputs deviate from the factual or contextual accuracy. He categorized these hallucinations into four (4) types: textual hallucinations, which involve misleading text generation; visual hallucinations, where the AI creates nonexistent images or scenes; inference hallucinations, which occur when natural language tasks produce erroneous assumptions; and content expansion hallucinations, where outputs include over-detailed or unnecessary narratives. These errors underline the importance of critical thinking and ethical considerations in leveraging AI technologies.
The presentation further explored how college students interact with generative AI tools for academic tasks. Key areas of focus included student awareness of AI’s limitations and potential biases, as well as their confidence in distinguishing accurate outputs and managing AI errors. Dr. Torres also examined students’ reliance on AI tools, particularly under pressure, and how institutions can provide guidance through clear policies and support systems. Additionally, he addressed students’ perceptions and attitudes, highlighting the dual-edged nature of AI as both a facilitator of learning and a potential source of academic honesty.
Dr. Torres concluded with actionable recommendations for educational institutions to harness AI responsibly, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive training programs on AI capabilities and ethical use, alongside clear institutional policies for AI integration in academics. He also advocated for leveraging AI to create personalized, adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual student needs.
This collaboration with the American University Kyiv further demonstrates Mapúa MCL’s commitment to innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring the transformative potential of AI in education, Mapúa MCL is actively contributing to Goal 4: Quality Education, and ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
To explore Mapúa MCL’s ongoing efforts towards achieving the SDGs, visit: https://mcl.edu.ph/sustainability-at-mapua-mcl/
