Academia’s Dilemma
What to Do About Artificial Intelligence?
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:17th Sep '26
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

A powerful, eloquent call for a new framework for teaching that harnesses the potential of AI the classroom while preserving the essential human element of teaching.
Does artificial intelligence replicate human thinking, or just imitate it? How should academia, the epitome of intellectualism, respond to that question and its ramifications for the teaching profession? Veteran educator Jo Renee Formicola argues that if higher education is to survive the challenge of artificial intelligence then administrators, staff, faculty, and students have little choice but to cautiously adapt by merging traditional pedagogy with innovative digital tools.
In an age of lucrative business deals, government policies, and pedagogical reforms that hasten institutional change, the value and impact of AI is as easy to overlook as it is to overstate. Amid these conflicting assessments of AI’s role in the teaching-learning continuum, Formicola weighs its value against the power of personal human interaction in the classroom. She examines AI as a worthwhile system to aggregate information and answer difficult research questions, but at the same time a step towards singularity of thought that can circumvent rigorous intellectual questioning and creativity.
Blending philosophical insight, pedagogical experience, and timely analysis, Formicola introduces a new framework for teaching that balances technological innovation with emotional intelligence.
This book challenges educators and institutions to rethink their reliance on AI and embrace a more relational, student-centered approach to learning.
‘Professor Formicola offers a realistic assessment of the emergence of AI technology and its multifarious applications, particularly in university education. With the background of an academic with over four decades of teaching and research experience, she delves into the question of AI’s “omnipresence.” The conclusion of Academia’s Dilemma is not alarmist, but measured, hopeful, and cautious.' * Rev. Valentine Ugochukwu Iheanacho, MSP (University of the Free State, South Africa) *
‘Academia’s Dilemma is a thoughtful exploration of Artificial Intelligence’s impact on higher education. The book examines the challenges and ethical questions Artificial Intelligence brings to academia, and to broader society. Jo Renee Formicola provides clear explanations, real-world examples, and critical analysis to help educators and higher education leaders grapple with the evolving interaction between human and artificial intelligence. Formicola’s analysis of AI in higher education encourages readers to reflect on how academia can adapt and foster human-centered learning in an AI-driven world.’ * Carolyn M. Warner, University of Nevada, Reno, USA *
‘Professor Emeritus Formicola presents a very worthwhile read that touches on many of the challenges, dilemmas and impacts in higher education, posed by AI. Fundamentally, Dr Formicola also embraces the importance that we teach our students to think critically and produce graduates who can navigate the challenges of using AI now and into the future.’ * Dr Michael Pallidino, Stockton University, USA *
ISBN: 9781666976250
Dimensions: 230mm x 156mm x 16mm
Weight: 360g
180 pages