Hebrew University Data Science Professor Sets 24-Patent Benchmark for AI Use

Students in data science classes at the Hebrew University Business School face a new verification standard. Since July 2024, Associate Professor Claudia V. Goldman has required them to document their use of artificial intelligence tools. The rule changes how grades are assigned by demanding proof of human engagement rather than just final output.

Goldman, who holds 24 patents and has published more than 50 academic papers, states that fully AI-generated answers are not accepted. She tells students explicitly when they may use these tools and requires them to credit the technology. Each submission must include an explanation of how the AI was utilized. Goldman says students know she can detect AI in their writing, which keeps them honest in their process.

The core of her methodology involves having students brainstorm with AI while maintaining critical distance. She encourages them to check for bias in the information and verify that cited sources actually exist. This approach aims to use AI to solve real-world problems rather than replacing human thought. The class also discusses the values and responsibilities of researchers in this new environment.

Assessment in her courses relies on a mix of in-person activities to verify understanding. These include classwork, presentations, and discussions organized by students for their peers. This structure allows Goldman to evaluate how students think and communicate directly. It moves the focus away from static written assignments that are easier to automate.

When asked about Bill Gates' concept of reserving certain jobs for humans, Goldman rejected a simple binary view. She argues the issue is about understanding the benefits AI brings to different roles. The focus should be on the critical skills needed to strengthen those roles. Her perspective aligns with the Business School's current curriculum offerings.

The Hebrew University Business School now offers specific courses in this area, including AI for Social Good, Responsible AI, and When AI Meets Humans and Society. These classes address the integration of technology into professional and social contexts. The university also runs a Free Listener Program that allows senior citizens to audit these courses. The fall semester is currently in session.

Goldman’s background informs her teaching approach. Born in Argentina, she moved to Israel in January 1984 at age 16. She earned a BSc, MSc, and PhD in computer science from the Hebrew University between 1991 and 1999. Her career includes research posts at Bar-Ilan University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Haifa. She later worked as a team leader at Samsung Telecom Research in Herzliya and as a research scientist at General Motors for 15 years.

At General Motors, she worked on introducing learning agents into the vehicle user experience. The goal was to help drivers stay focused on the road while better understanding autonomous driving functions. This industrial experience shapes her view on the practical application of AI in professional settings. She met her husband, Prof. Roy Shenhar, on the Hebrew University campus in 1995. They married in 1999.