OpenAI’s new GPT-4 update (GPT-3 and GPT-4 are the models which underlie ChatGPT) is revolutionizing the education system, posing a huge threat to the integrity of academia. Rehahn Haque, executive at artificial intelligence company Metatalent.ai, warned: ‘At present, well over half of students are likely using AI tools to cheat the education system in exams or essays, but it wouldn’t surprise me if that number were already higher.’ He suggested that without adequate measures implemented to counter AI-based cheating, the rate could easily reach 90 percent.
In an effort to combat AI-driven cheating on schoolwork, OpenAI is working on a tool that can detect AI content. Unfortunately, their software is not 100 percent accurate, so it is important for educators to take active measures to counter the problem. To this end, some school boards such as Los Angeles Unified School District, Seattle Public Schools, the New York Department of Education, and Oakland Unified have already banned or blocked the use of ChatGPT. Additionally, Yeshiva College has updated their cheating policy to include ‘something/someone else’s language’ in order to prohibit AI-generated content.
On the flip side, advanced technology has positive implications for the classroom. Narmeen Makhani, executive director of the ETS AI Labs which develops tools to detect AI cheating, suggests using AI to augment learning and improve assessments. She believes that AI tools such as ChatGPT can help learners to generate text more efficiently and summarize information more effectively. Furthermore, AI-based education provides students with the opportunity to develop skills that are relevant to the workplace of tomorrow.
Lastly, no matter what educators decide to do, it is essential to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest AI technologies, as well as their implication across all industries. By taking heed of the new AI challenge, educators will create a level playing-field for all students and guarantee the validity of their diplomas.
