South Dakota, well-known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is now emerging as a leader in technological innovation, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) education. The University of South Dakota (USD) has been a trailblazer, introducing an AI-focused curriculum in 2020, setting itself apart as a leader in AI education within the state.
“There’s a shared understanding that AI is part of the environment we teach and work in now, and faculty want to approach it with care and intention,” President Sheila K. Gestring said.
Sheila K. Gestring
By 2023, USD had broadened its approach to AI, embedding it across various disciplines beyond computer science. The institution placed a strong focus on faculty development, providing workshops and training to integrate AI into course curriculums effectively. This holistic approach ensures that students not only learn to use AI tools but also understand their implications and applications in real-world settings.
USD’s annual AI symposium has become a significant event, attracting hundreds of attendees from across the nation. It reflects the university’s commitment to being at the cutting edge of AI innovation and education.
Contact USD Faculty Development for more information about AI integration in education.
One significant area where AI has shown immense promise is within USD’s Department of Physical Therapy. Assistant Professor Jed Droge, DPT, has developed pioneering AI-powered virtual patient simulations that help students practice and hone their clinical skills in a safe environment.
Jed Droge
Across campus in the political science and professional writing courses, Assistant Professor Anubhav Gupta, Ph.D., uses AI to enhance students’ communication skills and help them grasp complex topics. Gupta highlights that AI, when used as a collaborative tool, can aid in generating ideas and refining writing, though it still necessitates human oversight to ensure accuracy and soulfulness in writing.
In media and journalism courses, Assistant Professor Agnes Bao, Ph.D., has been instrumental in integrating AI into courses like Social Media Marketing. Bao’s approach positions AI as a tool for rapid prototyping, allowing students to experiment with marketing concepts and strategies, while still ensuring that they remain accountable for their work.
“The real opportunity lies not just in the technology itself but in strong human oversight and the development of clearer ethical standards,” Bao noted, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI use.
USD’s approach to AI education is deeply rooted in the principles of liberal arts, focusing on ethics, critical thinking, and ensuring human judgment remains paramount. Sheila K. Gestring captures this approach succinctly, stating, “Human judgment cannot be replaced.” Such an approach is vital, especially in a world increasingly intersecting with advanced technologies.
Survey data from USD indicates that AI literacy is already becoming embedded across the campus, with more than 73% of students, faculty, and staff indicating moderate to extreme familiarity with AI tools. This familiarity is seen as crucial, with many students associating AI proficiency with enhanced career opportunities.
USD is not alone on this journey. The university actively collaborates with industry experts and participates in national conversations about AI’s future. “I think anyone who says they’re on the leading edge is probably on the leading edge for about two days,” Gestring quipped, underlining the rapid progression characteristic of the AI landscape.
Looking ahead, USD aims to continue leading South Dakota in AI education, remaining steadfast in its commitment to incorporating AI across disciplines and maintaining a focus on human-centric AI integration.
For more insights on AI in education at USD, visit the USD official website.