MAGETAN, East Java — The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people learn and access information. Amid this technological shift, new students at State University of Surabaya (UNESA) Campus 5 were reminded to use AI responsibly and critically.
The message was delivered by Dr. Alim Sumarno, S.Pd., M.Pd., during a presentation on AI and Digital Transformation as part of the 2026 New Student Campus Life Introduction (PKKMB) at UNESA Campus 5 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Dr. Alim emphasized that AI should be viewed as a learning tool rather than a substitute for intellectual effort. While AI can help students obtain information more quickly and access a wider range of learning resources, the information generated by AI still needs to be verified and critically evaluated.
“Use AI to accelerate learning, not to bypass learning,” Dr. Alim said.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement for Critical Thinking
According to Dr. Alim, students can take advantage of AI to search for journals, articles and other academic resources. However, convenience should not replace critical thinking.
Students, he said, must continue to understand the information produced by AI, verify its accuracy and trace the data and sources used.
The approach is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, through the promotion of digital literacy and academic integrity; SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through responsible adoption of emerging technologies; and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, by developing adaptive and problem-solving skills needed in the modern workplace.
UNESA has also provided an AI service accessible to students through the UNESA SINDIG website. The service can be used by students to ask questions and support their learning activities.
Preparing Students for the AI Era
During the discussion, students raised questions about whether AI could eventually become a competitor to humans in the workplace.
Dr. Alim explained that although AI has the potential to replace certain jobs and tasks, the technology can also help humans complete work more efficiently.
He stressed that the use of AI should be adapted to each field of study. AI should function as a productivity-enhancing tool, rather than replace fundamental skills or become a substitute for professional expertise.
Since AI is developed and utilized by humans, he said, critical thinking remains an essential human advantage.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of involving students from different academic disciplines in technological development. Dr. Alim noted that technology is not exclusively the domain of Informatics Engineering students.
At UNESA, digital literacy courses are provided across study programs. Students in education-related fields, for example, can contribute by developing learning content and teaching methodologies, ensuring that technology provides educational value and helps simplify complex scientific concepts.
Through the PKKMB program, UNESA Campus 5 seeks to prepare new students not only to understand emerging technologies but also to develop the critical thinking, academic integrity and digital responsibility needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.(goes)
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