As educators, we are in the midst of a transformational wave in education. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly challenging traditional assignment types and methods of evaluating student knowledge. However, despite the obvious concerns surrounding cheating, we must focus on the opportunities AI can provide for teaching and learning. (Have you seen the news that Chegg’s stock price is down significantly since the release of ChaptGPT?)
To start, we must become familiar with AI tools, especially large language models (LLMs) like those underlying ChatGPT and OpenAI Playground, and take the time to experiment with these systems. AI is great at creating credible-sounding facts, but it will often share false data and made-up citations, which means students must have enough knowledge about the topic they are examining to produce sufficient results.
For example, I am interested in the intersection of health, wellness, fitness, and technology and how technology supports our journey to better health. I’ve asked several AI tools to provide me with peer-reviewed literature on the topic, and it gave me a list of articles that sounded interesting but were completely made up. The authors were legitimate researchers in this field, and I recognized their names, but the articles did not exist.
Educators should create a transparent classroom policy that addresses potential problems and offers guidance for the acceptable use of AI tools. This will allow students to explore and understand the tool, offer clarity, and teach them how to use AI honestly.
I encourage all educators to experiment with AI tools and incorporate them into their classrooms. With a clear policy and a willingness to explore, we can create an environment in which AI is embraced as a tool for learning and growth.
https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/why-all-our-classes-suddenly-became-ai-classes
