Mixed reactions and concerns of plagiarism emerge as colleges grapple with the future of education.
The meteoric rise of generative artificial intelligence in recent years presents a unique set of challenges, particularly in the education space. Generative AI, also known as “machine learning”, is a form of AI that imbues advanced computer models with the ability to “learn” from examples and create something new. The more raw data the language model consumes, the more nuanced and real the generative content becomes.
ChatGPT, an AI chat bot based on a large language model and developed by OpenAI, is often credited with bringing significant attention to the field of AI and serving as a catalyst for the AI boom. The potential for this technology in education is nearly limitless but many schools remain hesitant in embracing AI in the classroom.
Colleges across the nation acknowledge that generative AI is here to stay and have largely refrained from banning AI outright. Instead, they are leaving it up to the faculty to craft their policies concerning the use of AI; often ranging from a complete ban to limited use but only if it is properly credited. SUNY Cortland is no exception; in each instructor’s syllabus, you will find an AI statement specific to that class.
What about Cortland students and the use of generative AI?
I spoke to students across campus and unsurprisingly, the responses were very mixed. It seems that most students use generative AI to varying degrees with some refraining completely. One student, a Junior in Communication Studies, told me she remains hesitant about using generative AI to complete her assignments: “All my professors ban it, so I don’t even bother using it.” She continues “And I’m afraid of getting caught.”
Another Communication Studies student, a sophomore, admitted that he uses generative AI as a tool to complete assignments: “It’s made homework more manageable; it gives you a good place to start.” He goes on to explain that he uses it as a supplement to his work, not a replacement.
Across the country, the number of college students using generative AI to complete their assignments continues to rise. According to a recent survey, 56% of college students admit to using AI technology. In that same survey, 54% of college students believe that the use of AI in school constitutes plagiarism.
Plagiarism, along with incomplete or false information and the inhibition of learning, are some of the chief concerns of school faculty and administration. As a means of detecting work that is GPT-authored and deterring the use of generative AI, many schools have implemented AI detection tools like Turnitin. Turnitin claims to be 98 percent effective but in practice, this can be difficult to maintain.
According to a Washington Post article, limited testing shows that Turnitin was mostly accurate but failed at a rate greater than 2 percent.
What is the future of AI in education?
In his webinar “Applying AI to Improve Courses, Teaching, and Learning”, Andrew Maynard, an Arizona State University professor, claims that cheating by way of AI is a short-term problem. He asserts the idea that the education system must change on a fundamental level to prepare students with AI skills. Additionally, AI can assist students and faculty alike with personalized tutoring and feedback, research, and ease the burden of administrative work.