Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI, is transforming classrooms, offering both pros and cons with its accessibility and efficiency. AI raises concerns about ethicality and human roles while also bringing excitement to certain tasks and requiring fast thinking. AI is currently being integrated into students’ education through adaptive platforms for learning and teaching, virtual tutoring/learning and other new technology.
Artificial intelligence is especially beneficial to teachers who have become overloaded with work, such as with grading, attendance and teaching. Social studies teacher Lisa MacFarlane mentioned using AI once or twice. “I have used it for activities where I want different textbook readings on a topic from different perspectives,” Mrs. MacFarlane said.
AI can also be utilized in tedious and consistent tasks like grading, which frees up teachers’ time. This is also better for the students who receive immediate feedback. Teachers can also find AI resourceful when checking for any plagiarism or straight copying in students’ work.
Additionally, going for students and all others who aren’t simply teachers, AI has much better convenience. Not only does AI have resources like speech-to-text or vice versa, but many use AI to get immediate and thorough answers. Many students also count on AI’s constant availability, whereas getting a hold of teachers outside of school can take longer and add a few more steps.
Unfortunately, artificial intelligence comes with its share of negatives as well. While students may use AI for some help in their homework and assignments, they can become too dependent on these easy-access resources, therefore diminishing the student’s personality and creativity shown in the assignment.
Mrs. MacFarlane agreed, saying that “generally, [she’s] against it. I do feel like it can give you a place to start, but in general, I do feel like it helps students cut corners and take the easy way out.” This also hurts the student’s willingness to put in the work for the next assignment, leading to growth in this AI dependency.
