Despite the numerous advantages that artificial intelligence (AI) offers, its positive perception is often overshadowed by fear. The fear surrounding AI is further fueled by daily reports of the technology replacing workers, which may attract industrialists but terrify the general public. Additionally, concerns regarding deep fakes and propaganda tools contribute to the negative image of AI. This combination of factors creates a blurred picture, making it difficult to focus on the positive aspects of this technology without closer examination.
The perception of AI in education mirrors this general sentiment, and for several obvious reasons. Educators fear being eventually replaced by AI systems, while students face accusations of cheating and compromising educational integrity. While the concerns associated with the first scenario may be premature, the second scenario is a topic of widespread debate on university campuses and in schools.
AI technology is still in its early stages of development, making it challenging to predict its full potential. However, students are already utilizing tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to complete their assignments and write essays at a basic level. Educators are also using AI-powered systems to detect AI-generated content in assessments, but the growing concern is the increasing incidence of cheating.
The goal is not to prevent students from using AI tools, but rather to make them understand the importance of using these tools to deepen their understanding and gain clarity on the subject matter. Before the advent of AI, plagiarism was a major challenge that has gradually been addressed over time. Similarly, the detection of AI-generated content will likely remain a game of cat and mouse between developers until a reliable solution is found.
Currently, students may submit work that they do not fully comprehend. However, educators can easily detect a sudden shift in the quality of work from a lower level to a doctoral level, and those attempting to cheat will face surprises when their grades are announced.
However, there is a positive aspect to using AI tools. Students often fear that AI might introduce irrelevant or off-topic content, prompting them to conduct thorough editing and content checks before submission. In this way, students are taking on tasks traditionally assigned to teachers.
Last year, a research paper published in “Humanities and Social Science Communications” highlighted that AI is making students lazier due to the automation of work, which affects their cognitive decision-making abilities and exposes them to increased privacy concerns. However, the reality is that the rate of academic cheating is relatively low, around five percent. Unfortunately, this fact is not widely known as mainstream media does not extensively cover it. Additionally, students are aware that cheaters are easily identified when faced with critical questioning.
In January, OpenAI announced a partnership with non-profit organization Common Sense Media to develop an AI rating system. This initiative aims to provide students, parents, and educators with a better understanding of the risks and benefits associated with AI technology. Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, emphasized that initiatives like this are steps in the right direction, which is an encouraging sign of the industry responding constructively.
It is crucial to change the negative perception surrounding AI technology. This technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, impacting the world we live in and how it operates on a daily basis. While change is often met with resistance, it is essential for everyone to adapt and embrace the advancements that AI brings.
