First day at university, first lesson: Think before you prompt — Nor Farah Hanis Zainun

SEPTEMBER 15 — As thousands of Malaysian university students embark on their first academic journey, they will encounter a new technological ally: artificial intelligence. While this generation has long been accustomed to smartphones and search engines, generative AI offers capabilities that go beyond simple information retrieval, suggesting arguments, structuring essays, and even rewriting paragraphs.

However, this powerful tool is not a substitute for critical thinking. Instead of allowing AI to do the thinking for them, students must understand that effective prompting is distinct from possessing strong analytical skills. A well-constructed prompt can generate impressive results, but it does not guarantee understanding, contextual awareness, or the ability to evaluate the credibility of the output.

University education is meant to foster uncertainty, challenge preconceived notions, and encourage independent judgment. Relying solely on AI to resolve every intellectual hurdle may lead to a lack of genuine learning. To strike a balance between convenience and intellectual growth, students should adopt the habit of "think first, prompt second."

Before engaging with AI, they should identify what they already know and where their confusion lies. They should also generate their own ideas and only use AI to refine and validate their thoughts. After receiving an answer from AI, students must critically assess its accuracy, underlying evidence, potential blind spots, and whether they could articulate the same concept independently.

This practice will not only enhance their understanding but also prepare them for a workforce increasingly adopting AI technologies. Employers will value graduates who can discern weak arguments, formulate better queries, make sound judgments, and synthesize ideas that AI may have compartmentalized. The ultimate goal is not merely to obtain answers faster but to cultivate the ability to ask the right questions, challenge answers, and make informed decisions.

As Malaysia's newest university students embark on this transformative journey, they should remember: your education is about more than just acquiring knowledge. It is about developing the skills necessary to navigate an ever-evolving technological landscape while retaining the capacity to think critically and independently.