Politics

Universities grapple with redefining education amid surge of generative AI tools

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 5:54PM UTC

The rapid spread of generative AI like ChatGPT has led universities to rethink curriculum design, assessment methods, and the core values of higher education, amid increasing pressure to develop responsible AI education.

The rapid diffusion of generative artificial intelligence since the public arrival of ChatGPT has forced schools to confront fundamental questions about pedagogy, assessment and the value of higher education. According to reporting in Columbia Spectator, the arrival of these tools has prompted universities to both embrace AI within curricula and wrestle with how to preserve students' capacities for critical thinking and original work. Empire AI and other regional efforts have further intensified pressure on institutions to define what responsible AI education should look like.

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More on this

https://www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2026/02/17/discourse-and-debate-we-need-to-rethink-ai-for-social-good-and-society-at-columbia/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2026/02/17/discourse-and-debate-we-need-to-rethink-ai-for-social-good-and-society-at-columbia/ - In this article, Nabila El-Bassel, a University Professor at Columbia's School of Social Work, discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education and its implications. She highlights the rapid adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT in academic settings and the challenges they pose, such as potential impacts on critical thinking and academic integrity. El-Bassel advocates for a participatory approach in designing AI-driven solutions, emphasizing the importance of including voices from impacted communities to ensure ethical and responsible AI use. She also underscores the need for universities to lead in AI education by promoting evidence-based, community-accountable programs.
https://sig.columbia.edu/ai4sgs - The Artificial Intelligence for Social Good and Society (AI4SGS) Initiative at Columbia University is an interdisciplinary effort aimed at applying AI to address pressing social and public health challenges. Led by experts including University Professor Nabila El-Bassel, the initiative focuses on designing community-centered AI solutions. One of its projects involves using AI to reduce opioid overdose deaths, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging AI for equity, justice, and community impact.
https://enterprise.ai.columbia.edu/ - The Infosys Topaz Columbia University Enterprise AI Center is a collaboration between Columbia University and Infosys, focusing on responsible and transformative AI. The center aims to advance enterprise-scale AI innovation by integrating Infosys' generative and responsible AI capabilities with Columbia's academic research. It fosters collaborative research, develops human-centered AI systems, engages students through experiential learning, and produces thought leadership on the ethical and sustainable evolution of AI in business and society.
https://ai.columbia.edu/news/columbia-joins-new-york-consortium-artificial-intelligence-columbia-news - Columbia University has joined a consortium of seven research institutions, including Cornell and New York University, to establish 'Empire AI,' a state-of-the-art AI computing center in upstate New York. Announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, this initiative aims to promote responsible AI research and development, attract top faculty, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen New York's economy and national security.
https://news.columbia.edu/news/empire-ai-columbia-university-collaboration-gets-google-gift-ai-education - Empire AI, a consortium of 11 academic institutions including Columbia University, has received over $1 million from Google.org to support the integration of AI into higher education. The grant will fund initiatives to prepare students across all degree levels and disciplines for an AI-driven workforce, including faculty-led projects and curriculum development.
https://ai.columbia.edu/content/about-columbia-ai - Columbia AI is a university-wide initiative powered by the Data Science Institute, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence across all academic disciplines. The initiative ensures that AI is developed and implemented responsibly, reflecting Columbia's commitment to societal impact. It leverages the university's ability to convene experts from various fields to advance AI in ways that benefit humanity.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The article was published on February 17, 2026, making it current. However, the discussion on AI's impact on education and society has been ongoing, with similar themes appearing in prior publications. ([ai.columbia.edu](https://ai.columbia.edu/news/columbia-joins-new-york-consortium-artificial-intelligence-columbia-news?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Columbia University President Minouche Shafik and Executive Vice President for Research Jeannette Wing. While these individuals are prominent figures, the quotes cannot be independently verified through the provided sources. ([ai.columbia.edu](https://ai.columbia.edu/news/columbia-joins-new-york-consortium-artificial-intelligence-columbia-news?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The article is from the Columbia Spectator, a student-run publication at Columbia University. While it offers valuable perspectives, it may not have the same editorial oversight as professional news outlets.

Plausibility check

Score: 9

Notes: The article discusses the integration of AI into education, a topic widely covered in recent years. The involvement of Columbia University in AI initiatives, such as the Empire AI consortium, adds credibility. ([ai.columbia.edu](https://ai.columbia.edu/news/columbia-joins-new-york-consortium-artificial-intelligence-columbia-news?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The article provides a timely discussion on AI's impact on education and society, referencing credible sources like Columbia University officials and the Empire AI consortium. However, the lack of independent verification and reliance on internal sources introduces some uncertainty. Editors should consider these factors when deciding to publish.

Artificial Intelligence
Higher Education
Pedagogy