Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a mess on college campuses in a number of ways.
1. AI-powered cheating
One of the biggest concerns is that AI is making it easier than ever for students to cheat. AI-powered tools can generate essays, code, and even solve math problems on demand. This means that students can complete assignments without actually learning the material.
In a 2023 survey of Stanford students, 17% admitted to using ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, in their fall finals. Most said they used AI only to brainstorm, outline, and spitball. However, a tiny share said they submitted ChatGPT work as their own.
2. Academic dishonesty
AI is also making it more difficult for teachers to detect academic dishonesty. In the past, plagiarism was relatively easy to spot, but AI-generated text can be much more difficult to distinguish from human-written text.
In one study, two-thirds of professors could not correctly identify texts written by AI. This means that students who cheat using AI are more likely to get away with it.
3. Disruption to traditional teaching methods
The rise of AI is also disrupting traditional teaching methods. In the past, professors relied on lectures, readings, and assignments to teach students. However, AI is making it possible for students to learn at their own pace and in their own way.
This is leading to a shift in the role of the professor from content deliverer to learning facilitator. Professors now need to find new ways to engage students and help them develop critical thinking skills.
4. Increased pressure on students
The rise of AI is also putting increased pressure on students. Students feel like they need to be able to use AI tools in order to be competitive in the job market. However, many students do not have the time or resources to learn how to use AI effectively.
This can lead to anxiety and stress, as students feel like they are falling behind.
What can be done?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges posed by AI on college campuses.
- Educate students about AI. Students need to understand how AI works and the potential consequences of using AI to cheat.
- Develop new assessment methods. Professors need to develop new assessment methods that are more difficult for AI to cheat on.
- Provide students with access to AI tools. Students need to have access to AI tools so that they can learn how to use them responsibly.
- Support professors in adapting to the changing landscape. Professors need support in adapting their teaching methods to the rise of AI.
It is important to note that AI is not all bad. AI has the potential to revolutionize education by making it more personalized and engaging. However, it is important to use AI responsibly and to address the challenges that it poses.