As students return to campus and classrooms this fall, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a defining feature of modern higher education and K–12 learning.
It is already being used to support tasks such as brainstorming, writing, coding, data analysis, research and problem-solving. At the same time, AI is changing how students interact with course material and how educators design assignments and assessments, raising ongoing questions about academic integrity, digital literacy and responsible use.
In a recent interview with WLTX, University of South Carolina Computer Science Assistant Professor Ramtin Zand discussed how AI is reshaping education and how students, educators and parents are adapting. He noted that as AI tools become more widely available in classrooms and everyday learning platforms, they should be viewed as learning aids that support instruction rather than replace core academic skills.
Zand also emphasized the importance of foundational skills in an AI-enabled environment. As generative AI becomes more common, students need to evaluate information carefully, recognize bias and verify sources. These skills are increasingly important as AI-generated content becomes part of everyday academic work.
For parents, AI in education brings both benefits and new considerations. AI-powered tools can offer personalized learning support, tutoring assistance and improved academic efficiency. At the same time, families are being asked to better understand how these tools are used in classrooms and to reinforce expectations around academic honesty and responsible use.
Educators are continuing to adjust teaching approaches, classroom policies and assessment methods in response to these changes. Across universities and school systems, there is a growing focus on ensuring that AI supports learning outcomes rather than replacing student effort. At the University of South Carolina, efforts are underway to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce where familiarity with emerging technologies will be expected across many fields.
Zand’s perspective reflects a broader shift in education: success in the age of artificial intelligence depends not only on access to new tools but on the ability to use them thoughtfully, ethically and effectively.