Students Push Back: Professors Lag Behind in AI Use

Parker Jones, a sophomore at Cal Poly, surveyed over fifty classmates about their use of AI tools like ChatGPT. The results were stark: students are racing ahead, while faculty lag behind.

Students’ AI Habits

• Daily assistance: Post‑lecture questions, homework organization, and idea refinement.
• Learning focus: Students view AI as a learning aid, not a cheating shortcut.

Faculty’s Slow Response

• Reactions: Silence or negative commentary.
• Gap: Students’ needs clash with professors’ reluctance to experiment.
• Jones’s critique: “The real problem isn’t misuse—it’s inertia. I expected CS faculty to lead, yet many wait for rules or research before adopting AI.”

Cal Poly’s Position

• AI concentration and a forthcoming Nvidia‑powered research lab.
• Events: PolyPrompt offers hands‑on practice.
• Integration: AI embedded in courses and extracurriculars.

Student Voices Beyond Cal Poly

A recent UC Irvine graduate noted the absence of AI in her curriculum, leaving her unprepared for the job market. Many students now self‑teach AI skills, sharing coding helpers from OpenAI.

Jones’s Call to Action

• Bridge the gap: Professors should meet students where they are, learning and experimenting with AI.
• Message: “Professors must catch up or join the conversation. Students are managing a huge tech shift on their own.”