In February our own Dr Jodi Burkett posted this article on the problems of relying on AI for the study of history. So we thought it would be interesting to follow up with some of our students’ views on the topic. For their Thinking Like an Historian Module, first-year history students were asked to read two essays, one written with and one without AI, and then give their personal thoughts about and experiences with this technology, and what they think is useful and permissible use of these types of tools at university. Their opinions provide useful food for thought for educators. Some students felt they could cope better without using […]
Tag Archives | critical thinking
Why do a history degree when you can just ask AI what happened?
This is a question that we are increasingly being asked by prospective students (and their parents!) at open days. It is certainly a valid question when AI seems to be making all sorts of people question how and why we do certain things. But it is based on a misunderstanding, or partial understanding, of what historians do and what history students are being trained to do. 1. AI can tell us WHAT happened but not WHY (or, importantly, why it matters) History is not about knowing when the Crimean War happened, or who was Prime Minister in 1957. Although knowing these types of ‘facts’ is certainly useful, this […]
From fresher to history graduate to financial consultant
Below, former student Connor Jones reflects on his time at Portsmouth. Like many history students, Connor did not come to university with a strong idea of his intended career, but this did not matter so much, because our Portsmouth history degree provides many of the skills employers are looking for. We note that Connor’s role now involves speaking to audiences of up to a hundred people, demonstrating that all those history presentations provide useful transferable skills! It has been a delight to teach Connor, and to meet up with him again at open days. I spent some of the formative years of my life at the University of Portsmouth where […]
My Experiences with Learning Development
Cameron Meeten, who is studying for a master’s degree in naval history, encourages all students to take advantage of the services offered by our learning development tutors. Although not at the moment able to meet students face to face, the learning development tutors can still offer plenty of advice by online methods. Learning development is one of the most valuable resources at the university and I implore all SASHPL students to take advantage of the guidance available. Learning development offer personal guidance in the development of academic skills and have something to offer all students regardless of where they are in the process of their degree.[1] Whilst attending the Student […]