AI for school: ChatGPT prompts varying responses from colleges
ChatGPT is the new artificial intelligence engine that has taken classrooms by storm. It has the ability to generate text on virtually any subject, which has raised concerns among educators about its potential use for cheating. However, college professors are taking varied approaches to this digital elephant in the classroom.
Boston University's policy for using artificial intelligence
Students in Professor Wesley J. Wildman’s Data, Society, and Ethics class at Boston University developed a policy for using artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, this semester. The policy states that students must disclose any use of AI, include detailed information on how it was used, and not use AI tools during exams unless explicitly permitted. The policy has since been modified and adopted by the university’s Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences.
Proponents of the policy believe that with some further tweaks, it could be adopted more widely across BU and at other schools. The focus is on embracing and teaching students how to learn, use, and think with AI.
Varied policies across colleges
Professors at colleges such as Harvard and UMass Amherst have taken varied approaches to ChatGPT. Harvard professors reportedly asked undergraduates to refrain from using ChatGPT, stating that its use would violate the school’s honor code. On the other hand, UMass Amherst amended its academic conduct policy to prohibit the use of AI unless the instructor expressly allows it. However, the policy’s enforcement remains a challenge.
Impact of AI on academia
Several professors believe that the use of AI is likely to permanently change the ways people study and work. Students will rely on artificial intelligence to write papers and be graded on their ability to correct the AI’s mistakes. Moreover, some colleges are exploring the field of “prompt engineering” — writing text designed to elicit the most relevant responses from an AI interface.
As with any technology, there are concerns surrounding its use. The makers of plagiarism-detection software have responded to educators’ worries about cheating with new products designed to detect AI-generated prose. However, some educators say the programs aren’t very good at finding plagiarism, let alone text from a bot.
Conclusion
The impact of ChatGPT on academia is significant. As with any new technology, it has raised concerns, but professors are taking varied approaches to address them. The focus is on embracing AI and teaching students how to learn, use, and think with it. Ultimately, AI is likely to permanently change the ways people study and work, making it imperative for educators to strike a balance between embracing new technology and mitigating its risks.
