AI for Education in 2024: The AI Integrity

During a recent Faculty Senate meeting, led by notable members including Lantz Teresa, Jannet Mitchell Lambert, and Terrence Mullins, the integration of AI for education sparked a vigorous debate. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, January 23, aimed to address the growing concerns surrounding AI, particularly in the wake of ChatGPT’s widespread adoption in academic environments.

The Advent of AI for Education

The advent of AI technologies, notably OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has presented a dual-edged sword for educational institutions. On one hand, the potential for enhancing learning experiences is undeniable. On the other, there’s an escalating battle against the misuse of AI by students for plagiaristic purposes.

The sentiment that AI’s presence in our lives is not just fleeting but expanding was echoed throughout the discussion. The technology’s rapid evolution has raised eyebrows, with some fearing its permanence in everyday use. Terrence Mullins voiced a common concern, highlighting the dichotomy within academic circles: while some educators are eager to harness AI’s potential constructively, others advocate for a complete ban.

The crux of the matter lies in the conflicting desires between individual faculty members and their respective departments. This discord has prompted a resolution allowing educators to independently decide on AI’s role within their classrooms, albeit with limitations.

However, challenges persist for those wishing to exclude AI entirely from their pedagogical approach. Mullins recounted an incident where a student, caught using AI against course policy, resorted to legalistic arguments to justify their actions. This has led to a consensus among faculty that any form of AI utilization equates to plagiarism, necessitating a clear policy to foreclose such debates.

The conversation also touched upon the nuanced uses of AI, such as employing it to devise essay outlines or structures. While some might argue this merely aids in understanding compositional frameworks, the consensus deemed it an unethical shortcut, tantamount to plagiarism unless explicitly sanctioned and credited to AI.

AI for Education: The Senate’s Resolution

The Senate’s resolution, which garnered overwhelming support, mandates that AI usage must be expressly authorized by the instructor to avoid being labeled as plagiarism. This policy will be detailed in an upcoming Senate resolution concerning AI tools and academic honesty, to be distributed among faculty members.

Adding a student’s perspective, Jacob Poliquin Hernandez remarked on the inevitability of AI’s advancement and its enduring presence. He likened AI’s emergence to “Pandora’s box,” emphasizing the futility of attempting to curb its influence solely at the faculty or classroom level.

This engaging dialogue underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to AI in education, one that fosters integrity while embracing the inevitable technological progression.