Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping classrooms across the world, and according to Jenny Moffett, senior lecturer at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, it should be viewed as “a giant field experiment” — one that helps students learn, reflect, and adapt rather than making them overly dependent on machines. Speaking on the Times Higher Education (THE) Campus Talks podcast, the 2024 Most Innovative Teacher Award winner reflected on how AI can support, rather than undermine, the essence of teaching and learning. Moffett emphasized that the goal is to make AI a “collaborator in learning,” not a substitute for human cognition.
AI as a Partner in Reflective Learning
Moffett, who directs the postgraduate diploma in health professions education at RCSI, shared how AI can help students improve reflective writing and self-assessment. By guiding learners through structured prompts and feedback loops, AI tools can encourage deeper thinking — a skill vital for future medical professionals and educators alike. However, she warned against over-reliance on AI-generated responses, explaining that “educators must ensure students still do the rich cognitive work themselves.” Her approach integrates AI only as a scaffold for human reasoning, ensuring that creativity and personal insight remain at the heart of education.
Balancing Efficiency with Deep Learning
Discussing the potential of generative AI in academic settings, Moffett said that efficiency should never come at the cost of critical engagement. While AI can simplify administrative tasks or automate routine academic writing support, educators should focus on preserving “the slow, sometimes uncomfortable, but necessary process of learning.” She believes universities must help students navigate ambiguity and uncertainty — experiences that AI cannot replicate. In her words, “education should challenge comfort zones; AI should make that challenge more accessible, not easier.”
The Value of Boredom in the Age of AI
One of Moffett’s most thought-provoking points was about the importance of boredom in education. In an era where technology offers instant gratification, she argued that moments of stillness are essential for developing focus, curiosity, and creative problem-solving. “Students need to learn to be bored,” she noted, explaining that this mental space allows ideas to surface naturally and encourages deeper intellectual exploration — something no AI can simulate.
Future-Proofing Teaching Practices
Moffett also discussed how educators can prepare for the future of AI-driven classrooms. She urged teachers to develop adaptive skills — embracing curiosity, playfulness, and continuous learning. “The spark of enjoyment in teaching,” she said, “is what sustains innovation.” Her message resonates across higher education: AI is not a threat, but a tool for empowerment, provided it is used with purpose and awareness. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
