Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and affecting a variety of industries, including education. In the realm of education, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming more prevalent and its impact is being felt by teachers, students, and classrooms alike.
The Impact of AI on Students and Teachers
Students today are using devices such as cell phones and Chromebooks for their assignments and research, and AI-powered tools are making their way into the mix. With ChatGPT, students can simply input a topic and receive an essay written in a similar style and tone that is appropriate for their grade level.
Teachers like Tim Kitson and Chris Stein of Perrysburg High School are keeping up with evolving technology and incorporating it into their curriculum, but they are also mindful of its potential effects. "Especially in the classes that I teach where they have to think for themselves using depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills, it can be a little trying," Stein said.
Spotting AI-Generated Writing
While AI-generated writing can mimic student writing styles, there are still clues that can give it away. Proper MLA formatting and in-text citations are examples of red flags that can identify AI-generated writing. However, as AI tools continue to advance, students could input examples of their writing styles to replicate them in new assignments.
Implications for Plagiarism Detection
The rise of AI-generated writing poses new challenges for plagiarism detection. While there are systems in place to catch plagiarism, they are not always accurate. Teachers will need to adapt to these challenges and learn how to use these tools more effectively.
New Possibilities for Custom Learning Plans
Despite these challenges, AI-powered tools and platforms offer a wealth of possibilities for creating custom learning plans and research projects that can be tailored to individual students in minutes.
The Need for Responsible Use of AI
As AI becomes more prevalent in the classroom, it is essential that teachers and students learn how to use it responsibly. As Kitson said, "It's a good opportunity to use AI, we just have to teach students how to use it well."
As AI continues to advance, its impact on education will only become more profound. It is up to educators and students to embrace these changes and leverage them for the betterment of the learning experience.
