In the Chronicle of Higher Education, Beth McMurtrie discusses whether or not teachers are doing their students a service or diservice in teaching them AI literacy. Some say that it is the future, regardless of whether people like it or not and students need to be prepared for a world in which AI is going to become more and more imbedded into society. Others think that it is a waste of time to teach something that is not an “academic skill” amid already tight time, money, and resources. If critical thinking and literacy skills are already being taught, is this necessary or not? It seems like quite the controversial, polarizing question. Like Mary Parr of Berea College said, “I am of two minds… I understand that this technology will only grow — that AI and especially computer imaging and machine learning combined with robotics will be transformational in my field — but I really care about the experience of thinking deeply about things, and want my students to have the experience of wrestling with ideas, and I don’t know a way of using AI that doesn’t detract from that experience.” Personally, I am having difficulty making up my mind as well.
I think that the best way to use AI is to use it subtly and honestly- not to completely replace or do something for you, but to suppliment. Whether it is ideas, a snippet of an image or collage that seamlessly fits into the bigger picture. So yes, just like learning how to think for one’s self and distinguish what is credible and what is not in the news media, for example, AI shouldn’t not be taught at all. When encountering it, students should know how to use it in a healthy, honest way… not as a easy way out cheat tool. Also, whether AI is used in the first place or not should be left up to the conscience of the student.
I asked ChatGPT, “Can you tell me the benefits of using AI when you are a student?”
This is it’s response:
Absolutely! AI can be a powerful tool for students, helping with productivity, learning, and organization. Here are some key benefits:
1. Improved Learning and Understanding
- AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Khan Academy’s AI tutor, and Grammarly help explain concepts, provide additional explanations, and simplify complex topics.
- Personalized learning experiences adapt to your pace and learning style.
2. Enhanced Writing and Research
- AI can help with brainstorming, structuring essays, checking grammar, and improving writing style.
- Research tools powered by AI can summarize articles, find sources quickly, and highlight key points.
3. Time Management and Organization
- AI-powered planners, like Notion AI and Google Calendar, can help schedule tasks, set reminders, and prioritize assignments.
- Task automation tools help reduce time spent on repetitive activities.
4. Coding and Problem Solving
- AI-powered platforms like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and CodePilot assist with debugging, learning new programming languages, and writing efficient code.
- Step-by-step solutions help students grasp difficult mathematical and scientific problems.
5. Language Learning
- AI-driven apps like Duolingo, Google Translate, and ChatGPT can help with translation, pronunciation, and grammar in different languages.
- Interactive AI chatbots allow for real-time conversation practice.
6. Test Preparation and Studying
- AI-based tools like Quizlet, Anki, and Socratic can generate flashcards, quizzes, and explanations for study sessions.
- Adaptive learning platforms adjust difficulty levels based on progress.
7. Accessibility and Inclusion
- AI-powered speech-to-text tools help students with disabilities take notes more efficiently.
- AI-generated captions and translations improve accessibility for diverse learners.