Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI, has become one of the most popular forms of generative content in recent years due to its incredible range of uses and popularity among younger generations. While it’s always been a concept—even since the 1980s—AI has seen its biggest influx of popularity in recent years. Whether it’s the language modules that can act like a character, the image modules that can create a picture, or the new video modules that can generate realistic videos using only a simple prompt, you’ve probably used or seen the capabilities of AI. In fact, many students have already become accustomed to the language module form of AI, usually known as ChatGPT. Some use it for educational purposes, helping them correct their essays or analyze their errors. Others, however, misuse AI’s capabilities, making ChatGPT do the entirety of their essay for them. It doesn’t take a genius to realize, this might be a problem
Given the rising popularity and diverse applications of AI, it’s crucial to examine the ethical implications and potential misuse of this technology, particularly in the realm of education. It’s incredibly apparent, especially in today’s world, that laziness and procrastination are spreading through America like a devastating wildfire. People would rather watch TikTok or play video games than to take an hour or two to do schoolwork. AI has given these procrastinators an efficient way to take less than 5 minutes to complete both their one-thousand word essay and their 20 question math assignment. While this strategy may complete a student’s work more efficiently, it ultimately decreases the amount of learning and attentiveness the average student accumulates.
When the word “many” was stated 180 words ago, it pertained to the growing mass of students who use AI. Of course, “many” is the best descriptive word in the entirety of the universe, but for those that aren’t intuitive enough to fully comprehend the specific amount that is being described; Simplifying is the best route: 56% of students in college stated that they have used AI to complete both assignments and exams. (BestColleges) About half of America’s college students have come forward with a statement that they have in fact used AI, not only on assignments, but also exams. Half of America’s new future workforce has decided to give up on doing homework and just let something do it for them.
Now, using a helpful crutch to get something done faster is not at all looked down upon. College is filled with incredibly difficult courses that test the limits of its students’ minds everyday. Fully relying on that crutch, however, does have consequences, and they go far beyond that of a typical punishment. As Dianne Aldawan staates in her article, The Pros and Cons of AI in Education and How it Will Impact Teachers in 2024, “it (AI) can dehumanize the learning experience…”. Aldawan states that AI can cause a complete shift in how students learn. Rather than a teacher attempting to help a student, the student just uses AI to get the assignment done. In turn, the student learns nothing and a mental note get’s burrowed into their head, “If I can use AI, why should I care about learning?” In turn, the student learns nothing of importance and when they do need the information they should’ve learned, it’s already too late.
Of course, AI does have many incredible benefits to proxy its shortcomings. It can be used as a creative tool or even help with proofreading an essay. In fact, AI was used in this very article. (A special academic-based AI manufactured by Khan Academy) After completing the article, AI was used to help find errors, as well as suggest vocab options. Unlike getting an AI to fully write an article, however, using it as a tool to help instead of a cheating device will instill a better work ethic into students.
In conclusion, AI isn’t a cheat, it’s a tool. A better example could be like a knife; if used correctly, it’s a helpful tool that can make cooking much easier. If used incorrectly, then many negative repercussions could surface. AI should only be used to assist with learning, not skipping the entire process. If students can learn to do that, than AI may be less of a problem then people believe.
