How Is Learning At College Institutions Changing Post Covid-19?

 

Photo: VOX

There is no debate as to whether the colleges are seen changes in students post-COVID.  Each instructor I speak to agrees without dispute.  Whether the students are cheating more is a matter of debate?  Are students cheating more post-COVID?

In the video below by MSNBC, Morning Joe's, Joe Scarborough interviews a reporter on a released article discussing this exact issue.  What is fascinating about this interview is the inclusion of 'ChatGPT':

ChatGPT is an AI bot that can be programmed by a student through a website.  The student (or person) puts in the required inputs (parameters -- statements, facts, numbers, etc.) and the AI bot (ChatGPT) will spit out a report.  The AI assembles the inputs with knowledge from the internet to produce a paper.  

Cheating? Using such a website would be cheating.  Although, the plethora of report writers and websites offering to cheat is ubiquitous.  ChatGPT is just the latest flavor.

The video above holds a much deeper conversation to be had at Universities.  How has the student changed post-COVID?  How has the student changed, period?  But this may be where we are getting it wrong.

Another important question might be: How does society view a university education?  

Or: How do universities include all students?  Include diversity?

What does each student get out of a university education?

Republicans are big on bashing "Woke" or "Wokism".  In reality, part of society would like to be included in the historical accounts of our fine nation (or nation - maybe not so nice).  Including accurate historical accounts of our nation is essential for growing as a nation.

The division among racial groups based on the obvious 'white privilege' is a major problem.  A large majority of my friends and colleges choose to deny 'white privilege.'

Back to post-COVID education.  Students were in an environment learning (from their bedroom) with only technology (the internet) to ask questions during COVID.  To expect them to know another method might be premature.  Maybe university time should be devoted to teaching students how to learn again.  Before moving forward.

Take a couple of steps back and teach a student how to learn.  That time spent will better serve the student compared to pushing on the accelerator and expecting the student to catch up.  The purpose of a learning institution is to teach students to learn about themselves and how they learn.  Why not focus on that mission?

Last but not least, we need to take the blame off of the student.  Professors and administrators along with staff should bear more responsibility for the lack of effort of each student.