Growth of AI
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence has advanced at an alarming rate. From eerily realistic videos to uncanny impressions of human emotion, the line between reality and AI is rapidly deteriorating. Data shows that approximately 77% of companies implement AI, and around 55% of Americans use AI on a regular basis. As AI continues to expand, there has been a growing concern about the negative effects it has on society, especially in the school environment.
How does AI negatively impact students?
If you ask a high school student if they use AI or not, the answer will likely be yes. AI makes everything extremely convenient: an essay that would normally take two hours can be generated by ChatGPT in under 30 seconds, and a difficult equation can be solved even quicker. As a result, many students choose to upload their assignments into ChatGPT, rather than do it themselves.
Learning comes from working through problems and fixing past mistakes. Students who use AI to complete their work aren’t truly learning anything from it. This is often reflected in poor test grades, despite having perfectly completed assignments. Many schools have since implemented strict rules such as AI detectors, opting for handwritten assignments, and phone pockets. However, while AI does have its negative effects, it can also be helpful.
How can AI help students?
There are many ways in which AI can be used without replacing human creativity. In fact, many teachers promote AI use for certain tasks. For example, using AI for research can significantly reduce time spent looking for information and leave more time for the information to be correctly implemented. Additionally, students can benefit from using AI to study. If requested, AI can generate flashcards and study guides that would otherwise be a hassle to make. Instead of spending hours making study material, students can spend more time absorbing the information.
Though the use of AI should ideally be avoided for assignments, it can be a useful tool for immediate feedback. Students who are unsure of their work can check it with AI, though it is important for them to first attempt the work on their own. Students can also upload essays and request AI to provide feedback on sentence structure and grammar. However, it is crucial that students are not completely reliant on AI.
Final thoughts
Although the growing reliance on AI is rather concerning, AI still has its benefits. Regardless, it is important to value human creativity over artificial intelligence. After all, AI can never truly replicate the works of man. The greatest paintings blossom from individual brush strokes, and the most effective college essays are written from the heart. For better or for worse, it is likely that AI will continue to make its mark on society. In the face of that undeniable fact, it is important to preserve creativity and integrity. After all, AI should inspire, not create.
