In a world where artificial intelligence tools are becoming an almost inseparable part of nearly every job, a question is increasingly occupying academic institutions: how do we prepare today’s students to become tomorrow’s professionals? Not only in terms of technological knowledge, but in their ability to think critically, weigh alternatives, and make informed decisions in a work environment where AI is present at every turn.
This is precisely the question from which Think AI emerged – an AI-based simulator designed to prepare students for the job market by developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The initiative was developed within the Inter-Institutional AI Forum for Academic Faculty, run by the Edmond de Rothschild Center for the Connection Between Higher Education and Employment. The forum, which brings together academic faculty from various institutions to collaboratively explore the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and workforce preparation, gave rise to a dedicated working group focused on developing practical tools to promote critical thinking among students using AI tools.
The working group, which included faculty members from a range of institutions, was led by Prof. Gila Kurtz, Dean of the Faculty of Learning Technologies at the institute, together with Dr. Eran Gal.
The idea received a significant boost when Think AI won a grant of NIS 40,000 in a competition held among the various initiatives that emerged from the forum. The grant enabled the transition from concept to a fully active simulator, led by Prof. Kurtz together with the rest of the working group members.
The result is a high-quality tool whose use is already being accompanied by academic research toward a thesis – evidence that the initiative is not remaining at the pilot stage but is becoming a research-based source of knowledge on how students learn to make decisions in an AI-rich environment.
The tool’s initial success has not been confined to the institution where it was developed. As a result, work is now underway to make the tool accessible to additional academic institutions as well a step that will allow even more students to benefit from the unique learning experience it offers.
Think AI illustrates a connection HIT seeks to promote more broadly: the integration of teaching innovation, academic research, and practical preparation for the world of work. The goal is not merely to provide students with technological knowledge and tools, but to develop their ability to think, weigh alternatives, and make informed decisions in a world where artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of every profession.
