Abstract
Humans have long sought comfort in systems, objects, or individuals perceived as “experts,” often as a response to the inherent uncertainty of decision-making processes. This tendency becomes increasingly evident as we enter the third golden age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where the boundaries between human expertise and machine learning, blur significantly. One of the fundamental questions driving this research is: Why do humans seek out expertise, and to what extent does this expertise truly exist in AI systems, or is it merely a reflection of our desire for certainty? The interplay between human cognition and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming societal structures and landscapes. This research embarks on a critical realist exploration of how heuristics and semiotics, key cognitive frameworks, shape trust, usability, and engagement with AI systems. By unravelling the cognitive shortcuts individuals use to interact with AI and the influence of visual and symbolic design, this study aims to redefine the human-AI relationship.At the core of the investigation lies the question of how to foster a genuine sense of belonging in AI-driven educational environments. As adaptive learning systems become ubiquitous, this research probes the challenges and opportunities posed by their integration. With a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative metrics and qualitative insights, the study examines user behaviours and perceptions over time. Feedback from educators and students enriches the findings, ensuring practical relevance. By addressing biases in AI systems and exploring the cultural nuances of interface design, the research sets a new standard for inclusive, equitable AI engagement.
Presenters
Sarah Mc TigheCurriculum Developer and PhD Student Researcher, Academic Development, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
PEDAGOGIES, POTENTIAL, EXPERTS, DECISIONS, HUMAN, EXPERTISE, BOUNDARIES, CERTAINTY, COGNITION, SOCIETAL, STRUCTURES, HEURISTICS, SEMIOTICS, TRUST, USABILITY, ENGAGEMENT, COGNITIVE, SHORTCUTS, DESIGN, SYMBOLIC, RELATIONSHIP, BELONGING, MATTERING, ADAPTIVE, CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, PERCEPTIONS, EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, BIASES, CULTURAL, NUANCES, EQUITABLE
