The Yin and Yang of AI in Education: Promise and Peril
Joseph McCarthy is credited with coining the term ‘AI’ or artificial intelligence in 1965. However, a universally acknowledged definition of AI and the specific capabilities required for a computer to be deemed intelligent are yet to be established. A broad definition can be,
“Artificial intelligence (AI), the notion that a computer can imitate or emulate the thought processes of human and demonstrate intelligence through action, has been a long-standing area of research at the intersection of computer science, psychology, mathematics, robotics, and other fields” (Russell and Norvig qtd in Elson 18).
1. Chatting about ChatGPT: How may AI and GPT impact academia and libraries?
In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT are increasingly being integrated into academic settings. ChatGPT offers a range of benefits that could revolutionize scholarly endeavours. These include assisting with literature reviews, generating text, analyzing data, translating languages, automating summarization, and answering questions. However, along with these advantages come concerns, particularly regarding privacy and bias. It’s crucial to examine both the benefits and ethical implications of incorporating ChatGPT into academia and libraries to ensure responsible and effective use of this technology. In education, both educators and students utilize ChatGPT for academic and research purposes. Educators leverage it to craft course outlines, develop lecture materials, and generate questions and problem sets. Likewise, students benefit from ChatGPT’s assistance in solving complex problems, writing essays, and grasping difficult concepts, including programming. While ChatGPT shows promise, concerns arise regarding potential misuse, particularly in online exams and question answering.
I selected this research paper because it serves as an introductory exploration of the utilization of AI tools in higher education. Due to its clarity, it lays the foundation for further discussions regarding the implications and applications of AI in academic settings. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, offering insights into the current landscape and potential future directions.
2. ChatGPT for Education and Research: Opportunities, Threats and Strategies
The integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in education presents both benefits and challenges. One major concern is the integrity of online exams and most of the assignments, as ChatGPT’s ability to generate human-like text raises the risk of cheating. Strategies to address this careful review of submissions, emphasis on clear and particular instructions and advanced plagiarism detection.
Another issue is overreliance on AI tools, which may hinder critical thinking skills, originality and creativity among students. Relying on pre-generated answers or solutions could discourage innovative problem-solving approaches. While AI models like ChatGPT can generate answers, they may lack deep comprehension or contextual understanding of complexities. Also, heavy reliance on AI tools could lead to a loss of traditional teaching involving human interaction and their ability to engage with material in a meaningful way.
I chose this specific paper because it predominantly focuses on the limitations and potential risks associated with the use of AI tools in education rather than solely highlighting their strengths. This emphasis on the limitations of AI tools in education aligns with my interest
in critically examining the implications and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies in academia.
3. Exploring the ethical considerations of using ChatGPT in university education
Using AI for tasks such as grading or evaluation raises ethical questions about transparency, accountability, and fairness. There is a concern about bias and fairness. AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to unfair outcomes, particularly in areas such as grading or admissions. Another ethical consideration is the potential for AI to replace human educators or diminish human interaction. While AI can augment teaching and learning, it should not completely replace human teachers imbibing critical thinking, empathy, and social skills. Lastly, there’s the broader societal impact of AI in education, including issues related to job displacement, inequality, and access to education.
I selected this specific paper because it addresses the ethical dimensions of AI integration in education, particularly focusing on how it can lead to biases and inequalities among students.
By exploring issues such as favouring fluent English speakers over those who communicate in vernacular languages, the paper mentions the potential disparities and injustices that can arise from AI-driven educational tools. This emphasis on fairness and equity resonates with my interest in promoting inclusivity and social justice within educational contexts.
4. Ted Talk titled “AI Will Set Education Back 2500 Years…And That’s a Good Thing”
The advent of AI in education has stirred uncertainty and panic among many, disrupting traditional teaching methods. However, the speaker argues that AI’s impact on education is akin to returning to ancient educational practices from over 2000 years ago. In ancient Greece, figures like Socrates and Plato engaged in dialogue with students, encouraging them to critically examine problems to find answers. Similarly, in India and China, systems like Buddhism, Gurukul, and Confucianism respectively emphasised interactive learning based on logic and axioms. With the integration of tools like ChatGPT into educational settings, students are afforded the opportunity to engage in dialogue-like interactions. This dynamic enables students to continuously seek answers and actively participate in the production of knowledge. This self-reflective process encourages students to critically analyze and question concepts, fostering deeper understanding and independent thinking skills. By engaging with AI-driven platforms, students become active agents in their learning journey, contributing to a more dynamic and personalized educational experience.
I have selected this specific video because it presents an unpopular opinion on the benefits of using AI tools in education. While the prevailing view often leans towards criticism of AI, this video highlights the positive aspects. This unique viewpoint challenges the
mainstream narrative and offers an intriguing insight into the potential advantages of integrating AI into education.
AI and education intersect in various ways, offering both benefits and challenges. Anekāntavāda, a principle in Jain philosophy, suggests that reality or truth is multifaceted, with many perspectives to consider. Similarly, when examining the relationship between AI and education, it’s important to view it through multiple lenses. Hence, a balanced evaluation is crucial to devise appropriate educational strategies in light of ChatGPT’s advancements.
Works Cited
“AI Will Set Education Back 2500 Years… And That’S a Good Thing | Robert Clapperton | TEDxUW.” YouTube, uploaded by TEDx Talks, 23 Jan. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIkF4gLvsc.
Huallpa, Jorge Jinchuña. “Exploring the ethical considerations of using Chat GPT in university education.” Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences, vol. 11, no. 4, 2023, pp.105-115. Research Gate, 10.21533/pen.v11i4.3770.
Lund, Brady D., and Ting Wang. “Chatting about ChatGPT: How may AI and GPT impact academia and libraries?” Library Hi Tech News, vol. 40, no. 3, 2023, pp. 26-29. Research Gate, 10.1108/LHTN-01-2023-0009.
Rahman, Md. Mostafizer, and Yutaka Watanobe Watanobe. “ChatGPT for Education and Research: Opportunities, Threats, and Strategies.” Applied Sciences, vol. 13, no. 9, 2023, pp. 1-17. MDPI, https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095783.
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