AI in Education: Is the End of Take-Home Essays Near?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the education sector, raising questions about the future of traditional methods of learning. With AI tools like ChatGPT rapidly evolving, the days of take-home essays may be numbered. ChatGPT, the most popular AI tool, can generate impressive essays on any subject in mere seconds, producing work akin to a B-plus or B-minus level. The latest version, ChatGPT4, has even demonstrated remarkable capabilities, such as passing the bar exam and excelling in various standardized tests.
However, this technological advancement has sparked divided opinions among educators. Some argue that AI is the way of the future and believe that educators must adapt to this new reality. On the other hand, some teachers view it apocalyptically, perceiving it as the crushing of their profession.
Instances of cheating using AI tools have been reported in schools and universities. School districts in Los Angeles and Seattle have taken measures to block ChatGPT from their Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, some institutions caution students against using AI due to concerns about plagiarism. The ethical implications of AI-generated essays continue to provoke discussions throughout the education community.
Although AI-generated writing may lack the creativity, originality, and style that humans possess, many educators believe it will become a standard tool nonetheless. According to Professor John Villasenor from UCLA, the need for exceptional writing skills became obsolete in late 2022. Educators must adapt to this paradigm shift in education.
While AI can generate content quickly, it often falls short in terms of factual accuracy. AI algorithms sometimes make up events, books, and people, leading to persuasive yet fictitious assertions. The challenge lies in distinguishing essays drafted by humans from AI-generated ones. The fact that chatbots draw information from the vast expanse of the internet and generate slightly different responses each time makes it difficult to identify cheating.
Despite its limitations, AI offers unique benefits in education. For example, AI can assist students with personalized instruction, transforming textbook material into formats suitable for individuals with dyslexia or attention deficit disorder. Its potential as an affordable and effective tutoring tool is also promising. In a recent survey, 90% of high school and college students preferred studying with ChatGPT over a human tutor, reporting improved grades as a result.
AI can also provide support to overworked teachers. It can help create lesson plans, grade assignments, and generate multiple-choice questions. Jaclyn Major, a sixth-grade teacher, incorporates ChatGPT into her math lessons, despite occasional errors, as both students and teachers learn from its usage.
Efforts to detect AI-generated writing have been made, but they often produce false accusations of cheating. Turnitin, a popular plagiarism-detection service, claims to have a 98% certainty in identifying AI-authored texts. However, its tendency to deem consistently average work as AI-generated creates challenges. The uniqueness and fusion of AI-generated writing with students’ own contributions further complicate detection.
As AI continues to advance, education must adapt accordingly. It is essential to strike a balance between embracing the benefits AI offers and addressing the concerns surrounding its use. AI can undoubtedly revolutionize education, but the ethical, pedagogical, and practical implications demand careful consideration. Whether the end of take-home essays is near or not, the integration of AI in education is an ongoing debate that will shape the future of learning.
