Do students rely too much on generative AI?

UC professor weighs in on how AI tools are reshaping education

Local 12 recently reported that roughly 90% of college students use generative AI tools like ChatGPT in the classroom.

Michael Jones, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business, offered insight into what this drastic shift means for both students and educators. Despite generative AI tools hitting the market back in 2022, educators are still getting their footing on how to manage it in the classroom.

"The AI genie is already out of the bottle, and you can’t wish it away," Jones said.

Local 12’s vox pop accounts revealed that college students use AI tools for anything from planning dates to plagiarizing assignments. Misuse of the tools in the classroom continues to be a concern. Jones suggested that educators revert back to traditional techniques such as conducting exams in-person with pen and paper to avoid potential misuse.

But Jones also noted he sees potential for AI tools to enhance learning if used in the right way. He explained that students can use AI for help on homework and generating practice tests. "AI is not going to replace teachers, but I do think it will replace teachers who do not use AI," he said.

See the full report on Local 12.

Featured image at top of an AI-themed overlay on a person using a laptop and tablet. Photo/iStock

The proposed “big beautiful bill” has a provision that would ban states from enforcing regulation on artificial intelligence models and systems for 10 years. The legal implications of the bill’s moratorium on AI regulation are a source of confusion across the political spectrum. Cincinnati Edition on WVXU recently spoke with director of UC’s Applied AI Lab Jeffrey Shaffer for insight on what the provision could mean at the crossroads of innovation and safety.

2

Power-hungry AI could mean higher electric bills

August 4, 2025

Large, energy-hogging data centers continue to pop up across the country as big tech companies race to offer the best in generative artificial intelligence, or generative AI. According to the Baltimore Sun, data centers could account for as much as 12 percent of all U.S. electricity within five years. The Baltimore Sun spoke with Jeffrey Shaffer, director of Lindner College of Business’ Applied AI Lab, for insights on AI’s energy impact. Shaffer said that AI is expected to contribute trillions to the global economy and play a role in addressing climate change.

3