Everyone’s heard of AI, but what is it? AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It was introduced in the 1950s, and Alan Turing and John McCarthy are credited with its creation. The original purpose of AI was to make machines use language, have ideas, and solve problems, but how does that affect education?
One of the most popular AI programs in schools is Grammarly, a writing extension used to rewrite sentences and assist with imperfections within a passage. While Grammarly can seem harmless, within the last five years, several other programs have been utilized by students who intend to be academically dishonest in using them. ChatGPT is designed to follow whatever prompt the user types in, such as asking for a book summary or a paragraph about a lesson. “I think it’s beneficial by simply rewording things, making it sound more professional, checking word errors, and compiling research as long as it gets good resources,” science teacher Jason Lammert said. However, he also expressed concern about the significant amount of energy a single AI search uses.
Although some students use AI for genuine questions and assistance, how can teachers assume that students are learning? According to Statista.com, around 86 percent of students have used AI at least once, while 54 percent use it weekly. Here at Pattonville teachers have mixed feelings about integrating AI into high school education. Some educators here at Pattonville High School have mixed opinions., “I think it stops kids from learning how to think critically… instead of working through a problem it’s just an easy button that you can push, and then they’re not really learning anything.” English teacher Haley Hunter said.
But that brings up the question of how students are using AI. According to a report entitled Teen and Young Adult Perspectives on Generative AI conducted by Harvard, Commonsense Media, and others, 53% of AI use is for getting information while 51% is used for brainstorming. Some believe educators should not judge students using AI tools they provide for easy access. “I feel like it can definitely be a helpful tool, but sometimes it gets a little carried away,” junior, Aliya Curry said.
Some believe it is the responsibility of students to use technology wisely and to consider their intentions when using AI, as it can either contribute to their academic success or lead to their failure. “It takes away from their creativity and since people are relying on it more, they end up doing worse because they don’t have it,” junior Aiden Jones explained. “Then how are they gonna do better in school?”
Regardless of the differing opinions, AI is here and we cannot avoid it. It is on social media, in schools, and even in the form of a chatbot, posing as a friend. AI is a tool for good and evil, but how you use it is up to you.
