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Debate on how AIdriven technology should be used in classrooms continues. Established 1929
PINNING
> continued from 2A an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science degree in nursing. During this ceremony, nursing graduates received pins symbolizing their readiness and competence to begin their careers as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. After graduation, many graduates aspire to take the National Council Licensure Exam, a pivotal step toward b ecoming licensed nurses and launching their nursing careers. Several speakers, including UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, Interim Provost Andrea Stewart and School of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Grant Wangila, offered
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News
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023 want you to know we are proud that you have made it this far. So, don’t quit. Stay up to the end. And cherish this moment as our nursing students receive their pins.” Those bidding farewell to the university are optimistic that they will continue to excel in their chosen careers, equipped with the knowledge and skills acquired at UAPB. Diann Williams, former chair of the nursing department, emphasized the program’s alignment with national standards and its resilience in the face of pandemic-related challenges. She stated, “The nursing program curriculum is built upon national standards that have paved the way for student success. Nursing programs nationwide faced challenges dur-
Photos from top to bottom:Valencia Dupree is pinned by her mother,Valeria Dupree. Alexi Mack shows her certificate for academic excellence. Graduates are holding candlelights to commemorate Florence Nightingale as the “lady with the lamp.” (Arkansawyer/Staff photographer)
words of recognition, encouragement and commendation to all individuals who played a role in assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Stewart said, “We
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The Arkansawyer
ing the pandemic, but we worked tirelessly to overcome them. This graduating class is a testament to the quality of post-pandemic education here at UAPB.” With this assurance,
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FEATURE
Will ChatGPT make math homework obsolete? As schools across the country debate banning AI chatbots, some math and computer science teachers are embracing them as just another tool. Compiled by Arkansawyer staff from AP Newsroom
For as long as Jake Price has been a teacher, Wolfram Alpha — a website that solves algebraic problems online — has threatened to make algebra homework obsolete. Teachers learned to work around and with it, said Price, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science at the University of Puget Sound. But now, they have a new homework helper: generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT. Price doesn’t see ChatGPT as a threat, and he’s not alone. Some math professors believe artificial intelligence, when used correctly, could help strengthen math instruction. And it’s arriving at a time when math scores are at a historic low, and educators are questioning if math should be taught differently. Ar tif icial intelligence can serve as a tutor, giving a student struggling with a problem immediate feedback. It can help a teacher plan math lessons or write math problems geared toward different levels of instruction. As schools nationwide debate banning AI students can confidently tackle the next challenges in their personal and professional growth journey. Some graduates shared their thoughts and feelings about the pinning ceremony and their experiences at UAPB. A recent nursing program graduate, Alexi Mack, expressed
Photo by Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post/Getty Images.
chatbots, some math and computer science teachers embrace them as another tool. “Math has always been evolving as technology evolves,” said Price. “A hundred years ago, people used slide rules and did all their multiplication with logarithmic tables. Then, along came calculators.” Price makes sure students have the skills to solve problems on their own. Then, he discusses the limitations of the technologies they might be tempted to use when they get home. “Computers are really good at doing SEE CHATGPT 4A
her gratitude to “the supportive and encouraging faculty and staff who stood by my side every step of the way.” Jerome Cole, another graduate, highlighted how the program helped him improve interpersonal skills, a crucial aspect of the workforce. He noted, “The nursing program really
Dr. Stephanie Laggini Fiore, associate vice provost and Senior Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosts a faculty teaching circle on artificial intelligence on Aug. 9 at Temple University in Philadelphia. Educators say they want to embrace the technology’s potential to teach and learn in new ways, but when it comes to assessing students, they see a need to “ChatGPT-proof ” test questions and assignments. (Associated Press/Joe Lamberti)
helped pinpoint the areas I needed help with when it came to interpersonal relationships. Other schools mainly focus on academics. All of it comes into play in the workforce, and it was for our benefit. That was one of the highlights for me.” These testimonials underscore the value of
CAREER
> continued from 1A ers are relatively new. Wit h comp anies looking to fill job openings and students looking for part-time and full-time work, the career exhibit is one of the most important ways to meet employers and get on their candidate lists for internships and jobs. The exhibit allows participating companies to meet with and conduct immediate interviews with many job seekers from across the state. C ompanies based in locations nationwide attend the career fair to help students do just that. Attending the career fair was a former UAPB student, Kylan Weatherspoon, who graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. After graduation, Weathersp o on was employed in Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Corporate Accounting Development Program (CADP) for about three months. When asked how
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Shelby Vaughn, senior business administration and marketing major.
he got to this point, Weatherspoon said he owed his success to the Career Service Center at UAPB, as it provided the first contact between him and the company. We a t h e r s p o o n advised students to “put yourself out there” and “not be afraid of not securing positions,” emphasizing acquiring experience rather than rushing into an open position. There is truth to what Weatherspoon said, as many companies have different employee requirements. These requirements can apply to experience, major, classification and
Students listen to company representatives during the fall Career Exhibit, hosted by the UAPB Career Services Center at H.O. Clemmons Arena. (Arkansawyer/Staff photographer)
UAPB students at the Career Exhibit: Darius Turntine (left), Michael Love (middle) and Jordan Lowe (right).
location. Some companies will even change their conditions to meet the needs of both the students and the company itself. Many companies at the career exhibit mentioned that the number of positions available to second and first-year students were increasing. As mentioned above, the career fair aims to provide students
the nursing program at UAPB, showcasing how it equips students for success in their careers and interactions with others. The future holds great promise for these graduates as they prepare to positively impact the world through the nursing skills acquired at UAPB. with work experience opportunities. As such, it is essential not to limit oneself to a single position and to explore all available options. With requirements being more considerate to students, obtaining job positions and internships can be more accessible. That said, it is important to remember that establishing a career demands effort from both sides. Companies will often look for the best candidates to fulfill their needs. Applying what you have learned and playing to your strengths is an effective way to advance your career, especially if the field fits you. You will never know if the first handshake at the exhibit can lead you to your career path. You may be standing on the other side of the table next year. Recruiters advise job seekers to bring copies of their resumes in a professional dress. Avoid jeans, sweats or miniskirts. Career Service Center:
Caldwell Hall, Suite 202 870 575-8461 careersvcs@uapb.edu.
11/16/23 8:22 AM
