Welcome to this new episode of “Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD” where we delve into the transformative shifts in academia and beyond. In today’s episode, “Generative AI: Opportunities and Caveats in Academia,” David Mendes sits down with Priten Shah, an expert in  the application of generative AI in education technology. In their conversation, David and Priten explore the rapid evolution of generative AI, from its early implementations in projects like Sanskrit language processing to the watershed moment of Chat GPT’s release in November 2022.

They unpack the profound implications of AI in education—highlighting both its immense potential for personalized learning and mastery education, and the ethical concerns it brings, such as plagiarism and over-reliance on AI-generated data, and Priten shares insights into specific AI tools like Perplexity and Elicit for academic research, elaborating on practical applications of AI in creating tailored educational experiences.

As we navigate through the benefits and challenges posed by AI, we also examine the crucial need for educators to receive proper training and support to integrate these technologies effectively. So, tune in as we explore how generative AI is revolutionizing the academic landscape while weighing its caveats with careful consideration. Plus, don’t miss Priten’s thoughts on maintaining authenticity in AI-assisted work and the future of education technology.