The Impact of Generative AI on Engineering Education

## The AI Revolution in Education The emergence of powerful generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard (oh man, remember when that was a thing?) has sparked significant changes in how we approach engineering education. These tools can generate code, solve complex problems, and produce written content that closely resembles human work. ## Challenges for Assessment Traditional assessment methods in engineering education often rely on problem sets, written reports, and exams. With generative AI, students can now produce solutions to these assessments with minimal effort, raising questions about: - How do we measure individual understanding? - What skills should we be assessing in an AI-augmented world? - How can we design "AI-proof" assessments? Questions like this were the motivation for my CAREER grant, which focuses on understanding faculty members' mental models of AI and how they might be changing assessment strategiesin response to the tools. ### Rethinking Evaluation Methods Our research suggests that effective assessment in the age of AI requires: 1. **Process-focused evaluation** - Assessing how students approach problems rather than just the final product 2. **In-person demonstrations** - Having students explain their work verbally 3. **Collaborative projects** - Emphasizing teamwork and communication skills ## Opportunities for Enhanced Learning Despite the challenges, generative AI offers tremendous opportunities for engineering education: - Students can receive immediate feedback on their work - AI can serve as a personalized tutor, adapting to individual learning styles - More time can be devoted to higher-order thinking and creative problem-solving ## Preliminary Research Findings Our initial studies with engineering faculty show mixed reactions to AI tools. While the majority express concern about academic integrity, they also see potential for improving educational outcomes when these tools are properly integrated into the curriculum. The path forward requires thoughtful curriculum redesign and clear policies that acknowledge AI as a tool that students will use throughout their careers.