Artificial Intelligence has progressed rapidly from a fictitious idea to reality and has now shaped the lives of Cortland students and others across the globe.
Because AI increases efficiency, it can be a useful tool for organizing, brainstorming, and studying. However, there are concerns about over-reliance, academic integrity, and the possibility of being wrongly accused of using generative AI.
A survey on 233 SUNY Cortland students, about their primary use of AI for academics, indicated that 55% of the students mainly used it for school assignments, 11% used it for studying, 11% used it for essays, 9% used it for quizzes and tests and 13% used it for nothing school related.
87% of students acknowledged using AI in some way for work related to their studies. This demonstrates how it has taken center stage in student life and is changing the way that students approach their academic work.
A different survey on 279 Cortland students about the frequency to which they use AI shows that 55% of students use it frequently, 30% answered sometimes, 9% answered barely and 5% don’t use it at all.
AI can lead to over-reliance, which impairs critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as 85% of students currently use it as an academic tool. Students may lose knowledge because they are no longer paying close attention to the course material.
With the rise in AI usage, the risk of students getting caught using generative AI rise. However, this also means that false allegations of using AI rise.
Of 204 students surveyed, 20% reported being falsely accused of using artificial intelligence. This indicates that false accusations were made against 41 students.
This is because AI detectors are used, but their reliability and accuracy are seriously questioned. For instance, an AI detector generator will produce 100% AI generated content if the Gettysburg Address is entered. This means that even if a student’s work is completely original, they could still be accused.
In the context of education, artificial intelligence is a slippery slope. It can be used to manage workload, break down information, study more effectively, and be more productive. However, because it puts students at risk of becoming overly dependent on it, it can quickly become a dangerous tool. Over-reliance on AI deprives students of practice in critical thinking and critical problem-solving techniques that are key for success in the real world.
There is a call for responsible use of AI due to its widespread use on campus and unfounded allegations of its use. It should be a supplement to their own effort, not a substitute for it.
AI is transforming every aspect of life globally. It is redefining how humans function in work, learning, and decision-making, for better or for worse.
It has improved research, discoveries, treatments, and diagnosis efficiency and accessibility in the healthcare industry. It has decreased human error and the number of inaccurate diagnoses. There are worries about sensitive data not being as private as people would like and about people’s jobs being in jeopardy.
In addition, AI has increased productivity and efficiency in business and economics by performing routine foundational tasks like forecasting market trends. Profits have increased as a result of its use in management, production, and advertising. However, people are concerned about losing their jobs, making erroneous calculations, and generally interfering with the free market’s natural flow.
It has also aided scientists in breaking down datasets, accelerating new discoveries, and developing models and predictions based on scientific data. Research breakthroughs and analysis are now simpler. However, because it consumes a lot of energy and emits large amounts of carbon emissions, there are worries about the harm it causes environmentally from scientists.
AI is now a part of daily life. It’s now incorporated into online tools, social media, phones, and virtual assistants. More information has been able to circulate as a result, but concerns have been raised about how AI may produce false information ,echo chambers ,and negatively affect public opinion.
Despite those global impacts, AI has always been a double-edged sword. Debates surrounded the use of AI and the ethics of it all. The public’s primary concern is how artificial intelligence is influencing how students approach their education. It has become a dependable tool for writing, completing assignments, and studying and/ or taking tests, while serving as the crutch for many students’ education.
Although AI has the ability to be a useful tool when used correctly with balance and mindfulness, students can seek other resources that can be vastly more effective and helpful.
Alternative On Campus Resources
Learning Center: This service offers tutoring in subjects from professional tutors that are learning specialists. It is located in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-205.
Writing Center: This service offers help on writing projects and speaking presentations on the development, structure, brainstorming, organization, understanding prompts, and many more aspects. Appointments are needed, which can be face-to-face or online. It is located in Brockway Hall, Room 216 above Hilltop.
Office Hours: Professors have their office hours listed in the syllabus for every class. Asking professors questions and going over assignments can be greatly helpful and make a huge difference in students’ success.