As paper deadlines and semester exams approach at Lucknow University, faculty members have offered guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academics. In response to questions from Hindustan Times, professors and department heads encouraged students to explore new technologies but warned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence.

Prof Geetanjali Mishra, dean of academics, shared that AI can be useful for improving language or checking grammar, but students often misuse AI by directly copying assignments. He said homework is intended to encourage learning and overuse of artificial intelligence can hinder this process, leading to addiction.

“Even if they are using AI, they should check references, use the tool carefully and do the final work using their brains. They can use it to improve their language, check spelling and grammar, but excessive use of AI will make them completely dependent on technology,” Mishra said.

Dean of Arts Prof. Arvind Mohan also expressed similar concerns, stating that homework is given to students to help them acquire skills and that relying on artificial intelligence at this stage jeopardizes their development. “There is no substitute for hard work and regular practice. Mohan said that it would be more beneficial for students to study with artificial intelligence on the last night before the exam.

Prof DR Sahu, head of sociology, warned that addiction to AI reduces students’ creativity and innovation. While AI tools can provide assistance, Sahu encouraged students to avoid becoming a “slave to technology” and take a hands-on approach to their studies.

HoD Geology professor Dhruvsen Singh said that assignments are given for students to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge of their subject and there is no better way to learn about artificial intelligence Earth sciences than stepping into nature.

Professor Mukul Srivastava, head of journalism and mass communications, noted AI’s limitations on research accuracy, warning that AI tools could provide outdated or inaccurate references. “It is important to do thorough research before citing references provided by AI tools anywhere. Instead of training from AI applications that are not updated regularly, we should still consider getting training from other sources such as books and reliable websites,” Srivastava advised.

Prof Maitrayee Priyadarshini, HoD English department, also said that the information one uses should be selected from sources created by artificial intelligence.