James Greig on Key Trends in Academia: Online Education and AI
James W. Greig II has spent 14 years as an adjunct instructor at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Before entering academia, he served in the U.S. Air Force and pursued extensive higher education, earning degrees from Cornell University, Ball State University, University of Colorado Boulder, and Capella University, where he completed a Ph.D. in educational psychology.
The Pandemic’s Influence on Education
“Online education growth isn’t new, but the pandemic accelerated it and raised concerns,” Greig notes. COVID-19 forced students from elementary through college levels to shift to online learning during lockdowns. The impact was significant, especially for younger students, many of whom fell behind academically compared to their pre-pandemic peers.
Elementary and high school students depend heavily on parental support, which varies based on the parents’ own educational background. College students tend to be more self-driven, making the challenges different for higher education. Greig focuses much of his research on how these younger students are affected.
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Education
AI is influencing education in new ways. Greig points out that concerns about online learning should primarily target elementary education, where foundational skills are developed. For college students, the issue shifts to AI-assisted coursework.
Studies estimate that 60% to 70% of college students use AI tools regularly. Greig supports AI’s role for practical tasks like creating outlines or compiling reference lists but draws the line at AI-generated papers. He stresses the importance of maintaining academic integrity while integrating AI tools.
Commitment to Growth and Collaboration
Greig credits his academic success to staying open-minded and embracing new ideas beyond his specialty. He invests deeply in projects, aiming for complete and thorough results rather than partial efforts.
He values teamwork and listens carefully to others’ ideas but avoids shortcuts. His goal is to deliver work that meets all requirements the right way. This willingness to explore unfamiliar areas has helped him stay current and effective in his field.
Many professionals narrow their focus over time, but Greig believes that stepping outside comfort zones fosters growth and innovation in education.
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