Lone Star College-Montgomery recently hosted a successful panel discussion on plagiarism and artificial intelligence (AI), titled “Synthetic Knowledge: Reframing Plagiarism and Information Literacy in the Age of AI.” The event, facilitated by the Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC) faculty organization, featured speakers who shed light on topics such as information literacy, generative AI, and legal implications.
Today, the increasing use of AI is transforming how we approach knowledge and decision-making, creating new challenges for higher education specifically in the areas of plagiarism and information literacy. The discussion emphasized the need for educators to adapt to these technological advancements and reassess traditional concepts of academic integrity. As expert systems continue to reshape the educational landscape, there is a growing emphasis on redefining plagiarism within the context of evolving technology.
Through informative presentations, the recent panel explored the cultural, epistemic, and ethical implications of reshaping the concept of plagiarism in the era of AI, challenging traditional notions of originality and authorship in a digital age. The speakers included Lauren Dubell, a science librarian, Britt Michelsen, a philosophy professor, Sarah Palacios-Wilhelm, the Dean and Director of the LSC-M Library, from the LSC-M faculty; and Basil Angelo, an Intellectual Property Attorney from the community. These speakers presented the evolution of plagiarism throughout history, the changing landscape of information literacy in the digital age, and the impact of generative AI on our understanding of being information literate.
“The expansion of generative A.I. introduces new and exciting opportunities for accessing and applying information in our daily lives. However, the technology also introduces new challenges that will require a new framework for defining what it means to be information literate.” - Sarah Palacios-Wilhelm
“Librarians must continuously evolve teaching methods to equip students with skills to navigate changing information landscapes. From the Internet to generative AI, each advancement requires critical thinking to empower students in a digital world.” - Lauren Dubell
“In a 'post-truth' culture of today, plagiarism thrives with new technologies blurring boundaries. Understanding its origins and evolution is vital in preserving the importance of crediting others' work. The challenge lies in educating young minds on why acknowledging sources remains crucial in our digital age.” - Britt Michelsen
The panel discussion was part of a series of events planned by CAC to promote communication and collaboration across disciplines. All faculty and staff at the college can propose sessions and attend CAC discussions, which are informal. Future discussions will cover a range of topics, including AI tools in business, music, wellness, and historical adventures.
For more information on Lone Star College-Montgomery's Communication Across the Curriculum and the Wednesday afternoon discussion series, please visit LSCMontgomeryCAC.com