The AI tsunami is sweeping Florida colleges: Will we ride it or drown?

Miami Herald

6 days ago

Throughout human history, groundbreaking technologies have reshaped civilization and marked pivotal moments in human progress. The wheel revolutionized transportation, the radio redefined communication, and antibiotics reimagined medicine.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the next great leap—poised to surpass them all. Not merely an innovation, AI is a transformative force, a virtual tsunami reshaping the foundations of society.
Unlike past technological revolutions, which unfolded over decades or generations, AI's development is accelerating at breathtaking speed. Many of the contemporary uses of AI may well become obsolete before this article is published. Experts predict that capabilities once considered science fiction will soon become reality. The implications will ripple through industries, education, healthcare, and human relationships.
In classrooms across Florida and worldwide is where we perhaps see the greatest impact. AI is, even now, fundamentally altering the learning process. Students can leverage AI as a powerful research assistant—locating sources, identifying critical information and refining writing. Gone are the days of browsing through endless, time-consuming Google searches. AI provides instant explanations, personalized learning experiences and curated reading suggestions tailored to individual needs.
Beyond research, AI enhances writing by suggesting synonyms, improving sentence flow and identifying grammatical errors. It ensures clarity and coherence, allowing students to focus on argumentation rather than formatting. When it comes to citations, AI compiles bibliographies in the required style, eliminating the tedium of manual reference-checking.
AI empowers students to achieve more with their time. Educators in Florida and across the nation have already recognized AI's immense potential. Some institutions now incorporate AI into coursework—not merely as a tool, but as a subject of exploration. Assignments may ask students to evaluate AI's output critically. As one professor noted, 'AI will not replace you, but someone who can take full advantage of AI probably will.'
Beyond education, AI-driven robotics may soon transform daily life. Imagine a world where humanoid robots are as common as cars — handling chores, ordering groceries, and managing calendars. Futurists even predict AI companions that engage in meaningful conversations, tutor children, or offer emotional support.
These possibilities are exciting but raise profound ethical questions. What will the world be like when virtually everyone has access to an assistant with an IQ of over 200 and a vast memory bank? Can machines emulate human relationships? Should they? Can AI offer emotional comfort without the complexities of real human interaction? These questions, once speculative, now demand serious thought.
Like all transformative technologies, AI carries risks. What happens when machines reach intelligence levels beyond human comprehension? What safeguards exist to prevent unintended consequences?
AI already generates complex programs in minutes—work that might take human developers weeks. If left unchecked, AI could evolve its own decision-making processes, hidden from human oversight. Still, AI remains a tool. Its impact depends on how we choose to use it. Fear should not overshadow its promise.
Major corporations have embraced AI's productivity-boosting capabilities. At Google and Microsoft, more than 25% of their software code is AI-generated. Governments and industries worldwide are adopting AI, preparing for a future where intelligent automation is not just a benefit — but a necessity.
Instead of resisting AI, society must engage with it thoughtfully. By harnessing its power responsibly, AI can elevate human potential. The question isn't simply whether AI will replace us — it's how we can survive this mega-tsunami.
One thing is certain: the mega-tsunami has arrived. We can either ride its wave or be overwhelmed by its tide.
Modesto A. Maidique is president emeritus of FIU. His current focus is on the art of leadership. Ronald G. Clark is professor emeritus at the UM's School of Medicine. His current focus is on the neuroscience that underpins artificial intelligence applications. Edwin Luu is a junior majoring in computer engineering at FIU.