The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKEP USU), provided new students with a session titled “Higher Education in the Digital Era and Industrial Revolution: Navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Information Technology Ethics for New Students” as part of the 2026 Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB). The session was delivered by Jenny Marlindawani Purba, S.Kp., MNS., Ph.D., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. WIB. The session was designed to help students understand, select, and utilize artificial intelligence technology productively, critically, and effectively to support academic activities, research, and innovation.

In her presentation, Jenny explained that the development of automation, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and AI has transformed the way knowledge is produced, distributed, and utilized in higher education. Students were introduced to Generative AI (GenAI), a technology capable of generating text, images, programming code, and audio based on patterns learned from data. However, AI should be positioned as a cognitive partner rather than a substitute for critical thinking. All information generated by AI still requires independent academic verification by students.

FKEP USU students were also introduced to the responsible use of AI, ranging from its application in literature searches and research to ideation and brainstorming, understanding complex materials, and language editing. The use of such technology must continue to uphold academic integrity, transparency, accountability, personal data protection, and students’ responsibility for the accuracy of their academic work. The session also highlighted risks associated with AI, including information hallucinations, data bias, and the degradation of cognitive abilities when students become overly dependent on technology.

The session aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and the use of technology to improve the quality of learning. The development of AI competencies, innovation, and digital transformation also supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, while the emphasis on academic integrity, digital ethics, data security, and responsible technology use is relevant to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

For FKEP USU students, these competencies provide important preparation for navigating developments in healthcare technology while shaping future healthcare professionals who are adaptive, critical, innovative, and committed to upholding ethical principles in making meaningful contributions to society.