Since its creation in November of 2022, students have been using artificial intelligence in many controversial ways. Many believe that AI will affect the coming generations’ critical thinking skills.
Teachers have been attempting to reduce ChatGPT use on the Aliso Niguel Campus through detection websites, like Turnitin.com. Checks like these aren’t always entirely accurate and can often be incorrect.
Mackenzie Will (10) says, “I’ve turned in work that was… 100 percent mine and [Turnitin] still said that some of my work was AI-generated.”
Will says that she isn’t the only student with this problem and that many of her fellow classmates have also stated that the inaccuracies of AI detection sites have been both irritating and demoralizing.
Teachers cannot stop using detection sites to limit AI use, but some have chosen to only have students write on paper as they see it as the best way to prevent the use of AI like ChatGPT.
Monique Reilly, an Aliso history teacher, says, “As educators, we have a responsibility to teach students how to use AI effectively and appropriately.”
Mrs. Reilly recognizes that the world is heading in the direction of AI, and there is no way to prevent it, only to better utilize it.
While ChatGPT is not approved by all in the education field, students have said that asking AI to explain certain topics can be very useful in furthering their understanding.
Isabella Phelps (12) says, “Sometimes I don’t entirely understand every topic my teacher goes over and I’m not afraid to use AI to help explain something.”
Many students believe that using ChatGPT shouldn’t be shameful. AI is a powerful tool that was made to be used. It may come with many drawbacks but it is clear that it can be very beneficial to struggling students.
The danger of AI is letting it destroy fundamental skills like critical thinking and processing necessary for developing brains. Allowing AI would undoubtedly lead to more use on class work and graded assignments and would be very unfair to students who do their own work.
Mrs. Reilly also believes that AI is detrimental to the development of critical thinking. If AI can have limits and regulations to make it as learning-friendly as possible, schools should recognize that it is not only a tool to cheat.
Mrs. Reilly said that it is her belief that “[AI] can be this great benefit or a Frankenstein moment, right?”
