With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in college settings, many institutions are finding new and innovative ways to use this technology to improve enrollment and retention rates. For example, AI-powered chatbots can help students manage their course load and provide mental health support throughout their academic careers. However, there are also concerns about the potential for AI to contribute to plagiarism and the lack of original work. As the use of AI continues to grow in higher education, it will be important for institutions to carefully consider the implications of this technology on academic integrity and student success.
The paragraph above serves as a perfect example of the types of work that AI applications can produce, as that was created by AI. Could you tell?
what is artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence is one of the many inventions of our society that has caused controversy among many platforms. But first, it is important to understand AI and its uses. AI is essentially the science of making smarter machines and programs with the goal of making computers to be able to think and act rationally. In theory and in the real world, this seems super useful. But for many college students like me, and college officials, the application of AI is one that needs to be meticulously dissected and given meaning.
pros of the use of ai in college
There are a few useful features of many AI applications for college students. They are able to summarize notes or larger texts, providing students with a concise list of points and takeaways. They can help with task management and provide insight as to what assignments or projects students should be prioritizing. Not only do they help with general organization aid, but with the emergence of chatbots, students can also get mental health help. However, we must keep in mind that chatbots are not humans, doctors, or licensed professionals, so take their advice with a grain of salt. But it is an application that students can chat with and maybe use to relax.
what is plagiarism?
The controversy surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence applications in college is based on the idea of plagiarism. Many colleges and institutions define plagiarism as the use of the work of others as your own without proper credit. So with that definition in mind, the first question that comes into play is if materials produced by AI applications are considered plagiarized material. Although the ideas produced are not someone else’s, they do lack originality and are not the student’s own.
Cons of the use of AI in College
Many students may see the use of AI applications for assignments as a loophole in the system. However, it is quite easy to tell when assignments that students turn in are produced by AI. Many times, the information in the piece of work is incorrect but well written. A recent Insider article covers one such incident where a student at Furman University submitted an almost perfectly written paper that had blatantly incorrect information on the topic. This makes the process of weeding out the assignments produced by AI applications much easier for professors. So if you are a college student considering using an AI application for one of your assignments, be aware of the fact that many professors will be able to immediately identify that you have used an AI application or run it through a software that is able to tell them.
Takeaways
With the emergence of new technologies and applications, I think it is important to consider why many students feel as though they might need to rely on AI for assignment submissions. It can be a great tool for organization and to increase your productivity while studying, but in terms of producing material that you will use as your own, it is not. While you may be struggling with assignments and might feel overwhelmed with the amount of work you need to complete, take a moment to remember why you decided to pursue your education and think about your end goal. At the end of the day, college is supposed to help you learn, grow, and prepare you for the next steps of your life. And taking shortcuts or going through loopholes will only set you back a few steps. So keep that in mind if you ever feel the need to turn in work produced by Artificial Intelligence applications.