Have you ever wondered why your poor test results don’t match up with those perfect scoring assignments? Have you or a friend ever turned in homework after putting forth no effort just to receive a 100% anyway? These symptoms may be caused by extensive use of Artificial Intelligence, or, as I like to call it, our academic downfall.
AI is very appealing at first glance. An easily accessible robot with all the answers? Just what we all need. Except, there is a catch. AI may be the easy option, but what does one gain from putting in no work? Those grades don’t last for long when critical skills needed for later concepts and quizzes are lacking. AI can hurt your grade by taking away your chances to practice, but it doesn’t always produce correct answers either.
There are many reasons students might turn to AI for help. Whether it’s a last minute attempt to finish their homework or they simply don’t feel like doing it themselves, completing assignments the way they were intended to be done is crucial for student growth. The plans that teachers make are created to help students learn and thrive so that they are prepared to move up to the next level. Without repetition of concepts and continued work being put in, it becomes difficult to grasp the concepts in question. AI takes away the opportunity for students to struggle and to learn, and it won’t always give adequate answers.
In a survey sent out to the students of LHS, there were mixed answers when asked about the helpfulness of AI with schoolwork. When asked, “Does AI give accurate answers?” 63.2% answered “Sometimes,” 21.1% answered “No” and only 15.8% answered “Yes.” Those results are enough to show that even AI users know the risks of submitting false information when using AI-produced answers.
The students at LHS, as seen in the survey results, understand the possible misinformation they receive from AI sources, yet continue to use it anyway. It’s impossible to make students disregard the tool completely. But when the user is aware of possible incorrect answers, AI could be a source for guidance or advice taken with a grain of salt. The usage of AI, if done correctly, could be beneficial to students as it provides a push in the right direction, but should not be used as the only place they look for answers.
Artificial Intelligence uses information found online to generate a response. This means that details taken from unreliable sources may also be included in the reply that an AI user receives. In “When AI Gets It Wrong: Addressing AI Hallucinations and Bias” provided by the MIT Management STS Teaching and Learning Technologies it is stated, “they’re designed to predict the next word or sequence based on observed patterns. Their goal is to generate plausible content, not to verify its truth.”
As seen through the results of a survey taken by LHS students, the majority of respondents have used AI, whether it be frequently or on some occasions. School can be stressful: There is a constant flow of work and high expectations, and it’s understandable to feel a slight urge to turn towards AI for some sweet relief. However, it’s important to not listen to that little devil on your shoulder. There are many ways to deal with assignments that don’t involve cheating or excessive aid from such an unreliable source as AI. There are real resources online, such as videos and websites, with ample information displayed in different ways. Along with the countless tools available through the internet, it’s always beneficial to turn to teachers and other students for help, as well as making sure to complete work in a timely manner prior to the due date.
Putting yourself in a bad position with your knowledge and education is only one of the problems with using AI. Academic dishonesty can cause significant damage to the reputation and grades of students. When caught using answers that are their own on assignments and papers they will be flagged with “Academic Dishonesty” in Infinite Campus. This will prevent said student from joining Student Council, NHS, and other activities as well. It is possible that one may even receive detention, ISS, SAS or another disciplinary act.
Working through challenges is what makes us grow and learn. Simply generating an answer that isn’t even guaranteed to be correct will do nothing for the development and strength of your education.
