Recently, the world has become intrigued by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and the impacts it will have in different aspects of society. From teachers to government officials to media outlets, people all over the world are questioning the use of these technologies in the education system and whether or not we should be investing in GAI technology. Several school districts have already attempted, or been successful in, banning the technology, but this could be putting our students at a disadvantage in the modern world.
Instead of simply shutting down use of these tools, educators and parents alike should be embracing them, for their use offers a unique opportunity for students to gain insight into the modern era. Technologies nowadays evolve fast, and this includes the use of GAI, so it is important for students to learn how to work with these tools to ensure they are prepared for the world they will graduate into. Rather than being afraid of Generative Artificial Intelligence, we should utilize available resources to find the middle ground between the risk posed and the potential reward it offers.
The potential for GAI is vast and its incorporation into modern education systems can offer many benefits. This technology can revolutionize learning experiences and transform them into something interactive and constructive instead of binary and dependent on memorization. It can also provide personalized education tailored to each student’s individual needs, making the education system more accessible and efficient. The potential of GAI is seemingly endless and its usage should not be ignored.
That being said, we must also acknowledge the potential risks and threats that Generative Artificial Intelligence may bring to the education system. Generally, these threats to students, teachers, school administrators, and others involved in education involve issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, and swatting. This is why the implementation of GAI in the classroom should come with necessary regulation and policies to counteract these issues and close any loopholes. Government officials and educational institutions have a role to play in minimizing these risks, and collaborations between the two are necessary for the successful implementation of GAI.
The role of Netflix’s documentary, The Social Dilemma, as well as its director, producer and novelist Rushkoff, have been increasingly important for the conversation on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Mr. Rushkoff is an established entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for privacy, and believes that strong investment in GAI should be made with strategy and caution. His work and words have been incredibly influential in both creating awareness of the potential of GAI and mitigating risks associated with the technology.
We are rapidly entering the machine learning era and it is essential that students develop the capability to engage with and understand the technology before they enter the real world. We can do this proactively by allowing our students to experience and learn with these technologies, not resist them. This will ensure our students are given the best chance of succeeding in the future, and that our education systems are preparing them adequately.
