Defiance College Adapts to AI: Daggett

Defiance College Prepares for AI-Driven Future, Says Dr. William Daggett

Defiance College is positioning itself to adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), according to Dr. William Daggett, a prominent education expert. Speaking at the Jan. J. Younger Colloquium, Daggett highlighted both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for educational institutions and their students.

The event, held in Defiance College’s Schomburg Auditorium, served as a kickoff to the college’s Homecoming events. Daggett emphasized the college’s readiness to embrace AI technologies while fostering essential skills that machines cannot replicate, such as empathy, creativity, and adaptability.

The Rapid Evolution of AI

Daggett noted the astonishing pace of AI development, citing examples like Chat GPT, which emerged just three years ago and quickly learned to generate information from the internet. Similarly, Apple Intelligence, introduced in June, now offers personalized tutoring for math and engineering problems, a task traditionally difficult for teachers to manage in large classrooms.

"Future AI programs will likely evolve to gather information from their environments, using it to form judgments and create original insights," Daggett predicted. He stressed the importance of educators and institutions staying ahead of these technological curves to equip students for an AI-driven world.

AI’s Impact on Students and Industry

Daggett observed that today’s students, immersed in digital environments from a young age, may have different cognitive structures compared to previous generations. While they excel in electronic expertise, they may struggle with information retention and social skills, which are critical for professional success.

He also highlighted AI’s transformative impact on industries, warning that companies failing to adopt new technologies risk obsolescence. Citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Daggett noted that numerous jobs will be significantly altered or eliminated in the coming years due to AI advancements.

"Educators must ask themselves whether they should expect students to adhere to traditional teaching methods or adapt to the changing landscape," Daggett said, emphasizing the need for flexibility in educational approaches.

The Importance of Broader Skills

Daggett underscored the value of skills that AI cannot replicate, such as empathy, communication, creativity, adaptability, prioritization, and planning. These "broader skills," he argued, are essential for students to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by automation and technological innovation.

"Defiance College is well-positioned to foster these skills due to its small size and dedicated staff," Daggett stated. He praised the college for equipping students with the attitudes and abilities necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world.

Daggett’s remarks were part of the seventh event in the speaker series named for Jan J. Younger, a former Defiance College professor and speech coach. The series is supported by an endowment and aims to bring leading experts to the college to discuss pressing issues in education and technology.