Since being introduced to Siri in 2011, artificial intelligence (AI) has slowly integrated itself into our lives. With the release of ChatGPT and other AI tools, students and teachers are starting to see how AI has made its way to our classrooms.
ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that uses natural language processing to create human-like dialogue using data from the internet. This means students can use the tool as a learning supplement, or for shortcuts and cheating.
One of its various tools promotes language learning by allowing students to practice grammar, vocabulary and conversational skills. This allows students to use it for assistance on homework or clarification on complicated topics.
AI; however, isn’t just limited to students. ChatGPT can generate teaching material, obtain quick research insights, and explore innovative lesson plans.
“I use AI sometimes for lesson planning,” Science teacher Daniela Poenariu said. “It can be a helpful tutor for students. All of us have to learn how to use it, but not rely on it heavily.”
AI can also adapt to individual student needs and provide tailored explanations, helping students grasp challenging concepts at their own pace.
Despite the benefits, AI also raises some concerns. AI can be used for plagiarism, undermining genuine academic achievements. Students can prompt ChatGPT to do things like generate essays, homework answers and even math solutions. These may be used by students to submit work as their own.
“The issue is getting students to use AI to augment their abilities,” English Teacher Chris Cabrera said. “Students are using AI in a poor way, like hammering a screw with a bottle cap.”
According to Junior Achievement, a survey was done on over 1,000 students, with 44 percent expressing their likelihood to use AI for schoolwork in the 2023 school year. Additionally 60 percent of the students acknowledged it as some form of cheating.
“If they use AI just to get the answer and write it down, they won’t gain anything, at some point it will catch up on them,” Math teacher Michael Storper said. “AI can write a paper for you, but if a teacher asked you to elaborate on it you’d have no idea what to say.”
MDCPS has taken action to prohibit students from using ChatGPT. Certain AI websites are restricted and can’t be accessed when connected to school Wi-Fi. However, according to an article by The New York Times, putting restrictions on AI tools is ineffective as students can bypass these restrictions.
“From a teaching perspective it can create engaging material, The world basically runs on AI,” Cabrera said. “And if they don’t play around with it, they will fall behind.”