In the education sector, AI usage is on the rise. A Pew Research Center study revealed that the use of AI tools for homework among 13 to 17-year-olds increased from 13% to 26% over a two-year period.
The use of AI in education has taken a turn. What was supposed to be a tool in the classroom, has turned into something that students use and abuse to cheat their way through classes. Recently, the University of Minnesota expelled a third-year health economics Ph.D. student in November after faculty found he was using artificial intelligence on an exam.
These extreme cases make for a scary outcome if AI is abused, but we also must realize, it is a tool that isn’t going away. So instead of substituting learning with generating, we need to understand how to properly use this tool to enhance our abilities.
MLA and APA, standard citation guidelines, recently released methods for AI citations. They label all AI as “OpenAI.” Anytime AI is utilized to form ideas, write statements, or edit work, students should cite this secondary source. Methods to cite can be found by clicking on this link.
One big concern when using AI is the fact that it pulls from every internet resource, whether true or false. That means, AI can produce inaccurate information. In this way, it should serve as a secondary source with a primary or additional source present to back up the information obtained.
It can also generate false images that can help or hurt individuals. While it might make a great headshot for a resume, it can also be used poorly. For instance, a NC State sorority was falsely accused of posting salacious photos of its members. When in reality, the photos were generated by AI and posted all over the internet by a male individual. That individual eventually faced charges; however, damage was indeed done.
The other factor that must be mentioned is the loss of creativity. Human brains are going to rot if AI becomes utilized as an “everything tool.” Thinking requires time, and creativity requires a healthy brain. If the human brain starts to rely on AI for all things, then the brain is getting no exercise.
AI can be a useful tool; it checks grammar, it can provide word substitution, it can brainstorm ideas, help discover sources, generate images, and so much more. The key is using it for good and not to replace our own ideas and thoughts. The human mind is a magical thing, and it should never be replaced by a machine.