Generative AI systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are, at their best, a bit like the computer aboard the Enterprise in Star Trek. In the show, the crew can ask a question in ordinary language and get an answer. But the system only responds to specific questions. Imagine that it could also continuously monitor the ship’s activity to lend input where needed. It might hear Captain Kirk plot a course and volunteer that following it would take the ship through a sector controlled by Klingons. In this capacity the computer would be more like Mr. Spock, lending thoughts when he believes that Kirk might be missing information or making a mistake. Something akin to this latter use may be coming to education in the form of agentic AI.
