Using ChatGPT as an AI Classroom Tool
As the use of artificial technology grows, educators in Michigan are having to decide whether to embrace the new technology or restrict it. While some schools restrict the use of AI, others believe in using AI to enhance the teaching experience. ChatGPT, the most well-known artificial intelligence language machine, is being used in classrooms to help students with their work and cut down on tedious workload.
According to Paula Lauren, an assistant professor at Lawrence Technological University, AI is requiring educators to rethink how they are teaching. For Lauren and many others, this means including ChatGPT as an invaluable classroom tool. The AI gives human-like responses to most questions and is even advanced enough to write a book report at a 6th-grade learning level. Students have reported completing tasks with the help of ChatGPT much faster than before and with less effort.
However, educators like Lauren acknowledge that AI is not perfect. Sometimes ChatGPT gives inaccurate or unrelated answers, which can lead to hallucinations. Besides, there is also a concern about cheating. To address these issues, Detroit public schools are updating their policies to limit the use of ChatGPT, labeling unauthorized use as a form of plagiarism. However, schools like Hemlock continue to use the technology and share tips and tools for their educators.
English teachers may ask for written assignments in class to avoid plagiarism, and there are also AI tracking websites available for educators to examine the content generated by a computer. Lauren emphasized the importance of having a "human in the loop" to monitor the AI tool.
To conclude, AI technology is playing a vital role in classrooms across Michigan. ChatGPT is just one example of how AI is transforming the learning experience for both students and educators. As educators embrace AI, they need to be mindful of its limitations and ensure that there is a human component involved in monitoring its use.
