Heres Why We Should:
The use of artificial intelligence is often a debated topic with many people being against it and especially teachers dealing with students using it for cheating on school work. However, AI has many more uses than a lot of people may realize to the point where I believe it would be worth educating students on how to use it more effectively as a tool.
Recently, AI has become a surprisingly useful tool in my daily life, from things such as cooking to doing work on my car. AI systems such as ChatGPT have access to the internet, meaning it can pull direct information from any free access websites. Within the past week I have used it to get a recipe for cooking, and in the past when I didn’t have the correct measuring instruments I have had it convert all of the amounts I needed into the measuring tool I had. I have used ChatGPT to give me detailed information on many options for aftermarket parts with my car, and it even includes information on prices and necessary upgrades that must be done together. Rather than just a program that students can use to cheat on work, AI can be taught to be used more as a personal and interactive assistant instead of trying to pull all information from different websites.
In schools, the use of artificial intelligence could become very useful to students if taught in the correct way. Currently it is difficult for teachers to detect the use of AI unless blatantly obvious with the wording used, but if it is taught to students in a way to be a tool to assist work it could be greatly beneficial. I have personally used it for classes on multiple occasions, including creating the image used on this blog post, and to get jumpstarted on research in other classes.
Overall, the use of artificial intelligence within schools should be somewhat promoted as long as students understand how to use it as a tool to assist with work and other daily life rather than a way to cheat or bypass learning. Just as calculators became an essential tool in math classes rather than a way to avoid doing calculations manually, AI can serve as a support system that enhances understanding rather than replaces effort. By teaching AI literacy, schools can better prepare students for a world where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant in the workplace and everyday life. Many careers are already incorporating AI for research, data analysis, and creative problem-solving, meaning that students who learn to use these tools effectively will have an advantage. If we shift the conversation from fearing AI to harnessing its potential, we can ensure that future generations are equipped with the skills to use it productively rather than exploit it unethically.
Credit: Sam Wittwer, Matthew Guaman
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