As higher education<\/a> works to establish guidelines around AI, they must address a larger picture: How can students use AI without losing critical skills?\u00a0<\/p>\n In an interview with Fox Digital Business, Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida<\/a> and the state’s former education commissioner, said AI could either strengthen education or create shortcuts that weaken the learning process.<\/p>\n “I think it could be a great thing, and it could be a very dangerous thing,” Corcoran told Fox News Digital. “It\u2019s how we manage it and what we do from here.”<\/p>\n PURDUE UNIVERSITY INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COURSEWORK AS A GRADUATION REQUIREMENT FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN<\/a><\/p>\n Artificial intelligence is transforming colleges and universities. (Getty Images, File \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n AI tools are already being used across the U.S. by students to brainstorm, summarize information and improve writing skills. Universities are responsible for adapting and creating guidelines for students’ success.\u00a0<\/p>\n Corcoran said universities should focus on teaching students how to think critically and evaluate information rather than preparing them for a specific job or technical skill.<\/p>\n “You\u2019ve got to go back and teach those critical thinking skills,” Corcoran said. “You\u2019ve got to have all those soft skills. You have to have them be great thinkers.”<\/p>\n He also said that AI could be a great use for universities to operate more effectively. Colleges can use technology<\/a> in student recruitment, marketing, human resources and administrative work.\u00a0<\/p>\n MELANIA TRUMP URGES AI ‘VIGILANCE,’ SAYS AMERICANS NEED TO GET EDUCATED<\/a><\/p>\n Students use laptops during college class as universities navigate the growing use of AI in higher education. (Getty Images, File)<\/p>\n By using AI in these areas, universities are able to run smoothly and effectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n “AI tools in achieving efficiency have been excellent,” Corcoran said.<\/p>\n At the same time, the growth of AI is also forcing universities to rethink what skills students need to learn before entering the workplace<\/a>. As technology is doing more entry-level tasks, employers are starting to look for skills centered on communication and creativity.\u00a0<\/p>\n Corcoran said New College has sought to combine technology and the liberal arts in its curriculum.\u00a0<\/p>\n This approach is designed to help students apply AI in practical ways while still using their critical thinking skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"ChatGPT,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ai-apps-gpt-gemini-claude.jpg\")
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