The debate over artificial intelligence (AI) has stirred much controversy in recent years. With the rising popularity of OpenAI tools like ChatGPT, many wonder how this will affect the future. As AI tools advance, better technology will replace tasks normally done by humans, leaving many worried about increased cheating and a decrease in student work quality (Miller, 2023). Despite the concerns, AI has the potential to be used as a helpful resource if used correctly, helping in different aspects of one’s life. We should learn to utilize the tool instead of being afraid.
Education institutions have expressed concerns about the overconsumption of AI technology; over 52 percent of Canadian students aged 18+ use generative AI to help with schoolwork (DeLaire, 2023). Educators face this new truth: AI technology will change classrooms in the long run. Some wary teachers oppose using the tool entirely due to a lack of knowledge and prioritization of other tasks (Langreo, 2024). Yet, for other educators, it has brought a new outlook on managing workload and providing support within class. Besides educating students outside of the classroom, educators plan lessons, mark assignments, and assess students’ personal growth while maintaining their own lives. For many educators, choosing between their careers or having time for themselves has been challenging. With the help of AI, they will not have to make that decision. With the help of AI, different applications and technology have improved the analysis of educators’ data. As a result, this offers educators opportunities for enhanced planning, assessment, and implementation. Understanding students’ needs, providing immediate feedback, and automated essay scoring have been groundbreaking in helping them assess their students better (Celik, 2022). Additionally, educators familiarizing themselves with the new technology allows for better regulation of student use. Enable students and educators both to use a valuable tool.
Often seen as a cheat device, AI has people worried that it will make students lazy and think less critically (Ahmad, 2023). Depending on the student, there are different viewpoints on using the tool: those who choose to use it dishonestly and those who use it as a helpful resource. Although institutions view AI as a device for students to get easy answers, the tool’s benefits often get overlooked. For years, students have cheated long before the creation of AI technology. 60 to 70 percent of students reported engaging in at least one cheating behaviour; that number has stayed roughly the same throughout the years (Spector, 2023). AI technology has allowed another facet to help them get there. Rather than looking at the negative, we can use this tool for the better. Support from educators is not always available; sometimes, it could take minutes, hours or days for a response. With the use of AI, with more instant assistance, it can deliver information promptly, prolonging engagement rather than keeping students confused. The education sector beginning to adopt this technology has brought a positive experience that has provided students from early childhood to higher education with improved learning. Straightforward accessibility to bots has routinely taught tasks like pronunciation and spelling to children at lower levels of education (Oranga, 2023). Additional 24/7 feedback and the provision of personal learning have transformed learning to be more convenient for students. Even though technology has a lot of potential, it should never be a replacement for standard learning. With human guidance, collaboration can bring forth a well-rounded education for all students.
The addition of AI technology has raised concerns for many within the education space. Given how new and unknown this technology is, those unfamiliar with it are wary about its potential. Taking the time to learn and adapt these tools can better help mediate its overconsumption. AI is useful in many different aspects. Both Students and educators have many advantages when it comes to AI. Educators can keep up with their tasks while managing their workload. At the same time, students can access support and advance their learning. As we understand this technology better, we will slowly understand how to utilize it effectively. The new changes will allow education to have a better learning experience for tomorrow.
Note: Grammarly was used to assist in this essay
References
Ahmad, S.F., Han, H., Alam, M.M. et al. Impact of artificial intelligence on human loss in decision making, laziness and safety in education. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 10, 311 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01787-8
DeLaire, M. (2023, August 31). More than half of Canadian students over 18 use AI tools: Survey. CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/more-than-half-of-canadian-students-over-18-use-ai-tools-survey-1.6543380
Celik, I., Dindar, M., Muukkonen, H. et al. The Promises and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for Teachers: a Systematic Review of Research. TechTrends 66, 616–630 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00715-y
Langreo, L. (2024, January 30). Most teachers are not using AI. here’s why. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/most-teachers-are-not-using-ai-heres-why/2024/01#:~:text=Some%20teachers%20wrote%20in%20open,degradation%20of%20critical%20thinking%20skills.%E2%80%9D
Miller, A. (2023, June 13). The effects of chatgpt in schools and why it’s getting banned. KDnuggets. https://www.kdnuggets.com/2023/06/effects-chatgpt-schools-getting-banned.html#:~:text=The%20answers%20ChatGPT%20provides%20are,teachers%20are%20less%20familiar%20with.
Oranga, J. (2023). BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (CHATGPT) IN EDUCATION AND LEARNING: IS CHAT GPT HELPFUL?. International Review of Practical Innovation, Technology and Green Energy (IRPITAGE), 3(3), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.54443/irpitage.v3i3.1250
Spector, C. (2023, October 31). What do Ai Chatbots really mean for students and cheating?. Stanford Graduate School of Education. https://ed.stanford.edu/news/what-do-ai-chatbots-really-mean-students-and-cheating