AI Archives: New AI Expo to Challenge Campus Perspectives

NIC professors from the Communications & Fine Arts Department are hosting an AI Expo on April 28th to display AI-generated art, writing, and other exhibits. 

AI technology has long created controversy in the academic world, blurring the lines between student creativity and integrity. With this persisting issue, what exactly draws educators to embrace AI?

“AI is here to stay,” said Brenda Johns, NIC Assistant Professor of Communications. Generative AI is becoming more accessible and prominent in education, prompting educators and students to embrace or avoid the technology entirely. 

One of the most heavily referenced AI art pieces, Theatre D’Opera Spatial by Jason Allen, has stirred controversy in both the technological and artistic worlds.  

The main concerns about this piece align with broader AI debates, especially regarding originality and legal protection. As of 2023, the U.S. Copyright Office reported that art generated or assisted by AI cannot be protected under copyright laws, which shows AI’s limitations in both the academic and legal world.

Despite these restrictions, many students and AI users consider AI art a legitimate, non-threatening art form. With a large enough following, students of NIC may see a larger representation of AI creation in the near future, starting with the AI expo in April.

Students’ and educators’ stance on AI remains polar, however, this event could pose a new perspective for those interested or unsure about AI. 

For NIC students, AI usage may still be restricted, especially with plagiarism and academic honesty in question. Restrictions largely depend on instructor preference and area of study, which are critical details for students to be aware of before using generative AI.