Unlocking the Power of AI: A Classroom Experiment
At Arizona State University, a unique course is challenging students to confront their fears and embrace the world of artificial intelligence. “AI Literacy in Design and the Arts” encourages exploration, experimentation, and a deeper understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. Professor Lance Gharavi, from the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, believes it’s crucial for the next generation to develop a thoughtful approach to these evolving technologies.
Many students enter the class with apprehension, influenced by warnings about AI misuse and its potential dangers. Graduate student Doster Chastain admits, “I was scared of AI, and that had kept me from using it for a long time.” In the past, AI’s presence in academic settings was often relegated to cautionary clauses in syllabi. “There’s always been an AI clause in every syllabus that basically said, ‘Don’t use it,'” Chastain recalls.
But Gharavi’s approach is drastically different. He encourages his students to “play” with AI, to push its boundaries and discover its hidden potential. “Finally,” Chastain explains, “I had a course that said, ‘No, let’s use this stuff. Let’s let’s see where it breaks, let’s see where it excels.'”
The course focuses on generative AI, which learns from vast datasets and uses that knowledge to create new content. While some initially perceived it as a glorified search engine, this perception has shifted thanks to Gharavi’s hands-on approach.
Chastain, who designs theatrical projections, now sees AI as a digital assistant, albeit one that requires careful direction. “At this point in the game, it takes a little more direction, honestly, than working with an actual assistant,” he observes.
He has started using AI as a tool in his artistic process, leveraging its ability to generate unique visuals.
“It doesn’t just find something and regurgitate it to you,” Chastain explains. “It learns from what it trains on and uses that knowledge.”
Gharavi emphasizes the importance of understanding AI’s potential and pitfalls. “We need people to seize their agency around these technologies,” he stresses. “These technologies are too powerful and too important for us to cede our agency to others.”
His goal is to empower students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about how they interact with AI. For those who remain hesitant, Gharavi encourages a playful approach: “Don’t be afraid to play with it and to have fun while you do.”
