Newly promoted Associate Professor at the Department of Information Studies at the University of Ghana, Monica Mensah Danquah, has cautioned students against excessive dependence on technology and artificial intelligence in academic work.
Her remarks come amid the growing use of artificial intelligence and internet-based tools in students’ academic activities.
Speaking on the Campus Exclusive show on Radio Univers, Professor Danquah highlighted some current challenges within academia, noting that many students lack information literacy skills and rely heavily on AI and other technological tools, a situation she says limits their ability to think critically and learn independently.
“The type of students we have now take things for granted. They feel everything is at their fingertips or they can just use ChatGPT and Google, but they are not learning,” she stated.
She further lamented the effects of overreliance on technology, stressing that some university students struggle to communicate effectively despite being close to graduation.
“It is difficult when you see students who have completed university or are in their final year unable to express themselves. Some cannot even write a good email,” she added.
Despite these concerns, Professor Danquah encouraged students to remain disciplined and focused throughout their academic journey.
“Every student, when you come to campus, the first thing you have to do is to write down your goals. You are going to be here for four years, so identify what you want to achieve and set objectives towards achieving those goals,” she advised.
As Senior Hall Tutor of Legon Hall at the University of Ghana, Professor Danquah also advised students to manage their time effectively while navigating university life.
She noted that the freedom and demands of campus life can easily overwhelm students who fail to plan properly.
“The university is a free space, so if you are not careful, you may feel overwhelmed by everything around you,” she cautioned.
“But if you manage your time well, you will realise that 24 hours is more than enough for your day,” she added.
Professor Danquah further encouraged students, especially young women, to remain ambitious and strive for excellence, stressing that opportunities for growth and success are limitless.
“Dream big. I was once a student like you, sitting in lecture halls just like you, and today I am here. Whatever I have achieved, you can achieve even more,” she concluded.
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Story by Mimi Sapong | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
