Recommendations for Teaching with AI (Fall 2026) (wiki.alcidesfonseca.com)

Recent reports from MIT and Coimbra raise urgent concerns about the state of higher education amid a surge in AI technology, as increasing student failures and declining attendance threaten academic integrity. The reports advocate for clear guidelines on AI's role in education, indicating a need to address students' uncertainty around when AI use is appropriate. However, the author argues that the core issue is not students' grasp of AI technologies but a waning motivation to engage with learning. The reliance on AI solutions risks promoting a transactional view of education, whereby students prioritize completing tasks over acquiring genuine understanding. To adapt to the changing landscape, the author emphasizes the need for curriculum overhaul that reflects the evolving skill set required in software engineering. This includes a focus on systems thinking, product management, and foundational knowledge in AI and software security. Rather than imposing strict regulations on AI usage, the emphasis should be on fostering an agile educational environment capable of rapid curriculum updates in response to industry needs. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate students’ ability to tackle real-world challenges through deep learning and problem-solving, rather than merely optimizing for grades.