Ohio State University is launching a new AI Fluency Initiative aimed at ensuring that every undergraduate student becomes fluent in artificial intelligence, starting in the fall of 2025.

The initiative, led by executive vice president and provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda, seeks to make students 'bilingual' in their major fields of study and the application of AI.

Ohio State President Ted Carter emphasized the transformative impact of AI across various industries, underscoring the need for educational institutions to adapt to these changes.

As part of the initiative, incoming freshmen will be required to complete an AI skills seminar, highlighting the importance of AI understanding in diverse professional fields.

Some instructors at Ohio State have already begun integrating AI into their courses, with positive feedback from students regarding AI-assisted assignments.

Assignments may involve using AI to create projects, followed by evaluations and reflections on the effectiveness of the AI-generated content.

While students are encouraged to utilize AI, they must not submit AI-generated work as their own, ensuring academic integrity.

Faculty will receive guidance on maintaining academic integrity while incorporating AI into assignments, requiring students to reflect on their use of AI.

Despite the enthusiasm for AI, some students have raised concerns about ownership of AI-generated content, highlighting the need for clear guidelines.

Discussions about the ethical use of AI are encouraged, with faculty emphasizing the importance of adapting teaching methods to include AI as an educational tool.

The initiative responds to a growing trend, as a Pew Research Center study revealed that 26% of teenagers used ChatGPT for schoolwork in 2024, doubling the percentage from the previous year.

Instructors stress the importance of clear expectations for AI use in assignments and the need for collaboration, especially among students who may struggle.