In an age of constant technological evolution, it’s no surprise that artificial intelligence has gained so much traction in recent years. In November of 2022, the first major, publicly available AI generative service, ChatGPT, was launched. ChatGPT is an AI chatbot designed using OpenAI’s foundational large language models. Shortly after its release, ChatGPT went viral across social media for all of its capabilities.
Founded in 2015, the company OpenAI is set on a mission to evolve artificial intelligence in a way that advances humanity. However, many have voiced anger and fear concerning how the chatbot could alter their everyday life. A main concern about technology stemmed from educators.
Kari Stevenson, a librarian at Palmer Ridge chimes in “I know other teachers are concerned about it [ChatGPT]… I don’t know what exactly our plan of action is.” At this moment in time, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 has not implemented a specific policy or plan regarding the use of AI generative applications by students.
“AI Generative [technology] is going to be here forever,” Stevenson continues. “We need to figure out how to use it for our benefit instead of our downfall. We can teach students how to use it appropriately and figure out a way to work with it rather than against it.” For the moment, Palmer Ridge has been treating AI dishonesty in the same way as plagiarism is traditionally approached.
“The school, as provided by the district, uses TurnItIn,” Stevenson explains. TurnItIn is not a new platform for our students and teachers LPSD has been using the program for years to ensure academic integrity. “It has students upload their assignments into a computer and the papers are scanned for general plagiarism.” Says Stevenson.
However, a recent addition to TurnItIn’s roster of tools expands on the growing needs of the education community. As of April 4th, 2023, the program now employs an AI detection scanner. While it has traditionally sent out a “similarity report” to teachers, detailing plagiarized material from the internet, previous TurnItIn papers, and even the student’s previous works. The similarity reports now include warnings of AI-generated text. Teachers now receive insight on what portions as well as the percentage of the written utilizing AI.
Yet, ChatGPT is praised for all of its positive uses across the globe. Primarily, AI reduces human error. Human error, referring to any mistakes made by a person, is a natural item to be aware of. However, AI eliminates the possible buffer of human errors, allowing for cleaner work.
A model of this is weather broadcasts, where items are now more scientific instead of subjective choices by people. Another benefit of using AI is that it is available 24/7. Unlike traditional helplines or text threads, AI doesn’t require paying an employee. It also avoids the ethicality concerns of overnight employees.
