AI in education is reshaping higher education, forcing both students and faculty to rethink what learning, critical thinking, and creativity look like in an AI-driven world.
For Ron Wilson, assistant director and professor in UMBC’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) master’s program, the conversation became deeply personal after a prospective student asked a question he never expected:
“How is your program going to protect me against AI when I go into the workforce?”
That moment sparked a larger effort to rethink how AI should be integrated into graduate education.
In this conversation with Dennise Cardona, M.A. ’23, Wilson discusses building an AI framework for the classroom, why faculty face some of the biggest challenges ahead, and how students can use AI without losing their authentic voice.
Teaching Students to Work With AI Tools
Dennise:
You recently developed a framework around how we should be using AI in education. What led you to start thinking about this in a more structured way?
Ron Wilson:
Well, initially, we had a student during one of our open house sessions ask, “If I go into your program, how are you going to protect me against AI when I go out into the workforce?”
As a result, that completely caught us off guard.
Although we already knew AI would be integrated into our classrooms, hearing a student frame it in terms of protection really changed the conversation. Because of this, I began developing a more intentional framework for AI integration within our program.
Why AI Is Changing Learning — and Teaching
Dennise:
At a high level, is AI making learning easier, or is it changing what it means to learn?
Ron:
It’s definitely changing learning.
In fact, I think it’s becoming more challenging, especially for faculty.
Students are naturally adapting to the technology because they are already in learning mode. Meanwhile, instructors now have to rethink assignments, redesign coursework, and reconsider how to teach critical thinking in a world where AI can complete many technical tasks automatically.
Because of this, we can’t just stay on autopilot anymore.
Instead, we have to ask:
- How do we make learning work with AI?
- How do we ensure students are still thinking critically?
- How do we help them preserve their own voice?
Ultimately, this represents a major shift in education.
AI as an Assistant, Consultant, and Collaborator
Dennise:
You describe AI as an assistant, consultant, or even collaborator. Can you explain those roles?
Ron:
I started by reflecting on how I personally use AI in my own work.
For example, as an assistant, AI helps complete tasks such as coding support, organizing research, or gathering background information.
In addition, as a consultant, it helps students explore unfamiliar subject areas. In GIS, students come from fields like environmental science, criminology, epidemiology, and urban studies. Therefore, AI can help bridge knowledge gaps quickly.
Moreover, there is the collaborator role.
That is where students actively work with AI to shape ideas, revise projects, and refine writing. They do this while still maintaining ownership of their final product.
In every case, I tell it:
“I want to keep my voice.”
That part matters.
Protecting the Human Voice
Dennise:
One concern people have is that AI-generated content can feel repetitive or impersonal. How do we avoid losing the human voice?
Ron:
That’s one of the biggest responsibilities academic institutions have right now.
Students need guidance on how to use AI responsibly without replacing their own thinking.
The goal isn’t for AI to do everything for them. The goal is to free them from some of the repetitive or technical work so they can focus more deeply on analysis, creativity, and interpretation.
I ask my students:
“Are you here for coding, or are you here for analysis?”
Every single one says analysis.
“Impossible” Assignments with AI
Dennise:
You mentioned seeing an assignment model that really stood out to you. What made it so impactful?
Ron:
The assignment was intentionally designed to feel impossible. Students were given a highly advanced task and told to use AI to figure it out.
At first, they were stunned.
They’d ask:
“You really want us to do this by next week?”
That was the point.
The exercise pushes students beyond what they think they’re capable of doing. Once they realize they can accomplish something that initially felt impossible, their confidence changes completely.
Strong vs Weak Use in Education
Dennise:
What does strong AI use look like from a student today?
Ron:
Strong AI use is thoughtful and analytical.
The best students don’t simply accept whatever AI gives them. They question, revise, and evaluate whether the output actually makes sense.
Weak AI use happens when someone just copies and pastes outputs without reflection or interpretation.
The analytical human part is missing.
But honestly, that’s also a learning opportunity for instructors. It means we have to design assignments more intentionally and communicate expectations more clearly.
Skills Needed for the Future
Dennise:
What skills do you think will matter most over the next few years?
Ron:
Communication, time management, tool management. And learning how to integrate AI into your workflow responsibly.
Students are going to need to understand how to use AI as a force multiplier — something that expands what they’re capable of rather than replacing their thinking altogether.
Advice on AI in Education
Dennise:
If you could give one piece of advice to students learning in an AI-driven world, what would it be?
Ron:
Go for it.
You’re not going to escape this technology.
Eventually employers are going to ask whether you know how to use AI effectively.
So my advice is:
Learn it. Experiment with it. Push yourself with it.
Because once students realize what they’re capable of doing with the right tools and guidance, it completely changes how they approach learning and work.
Navigating the Future: An AI-Driven World
Advancements in AI technologies intricately link to the future of GIS professionals. AI’s capability to process vast amounts of spatial data at unprecedented speeds is revolutionizing how GIS professionals manage, analyze, and interpret data.