Artificial Intelligence

Reflective Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a form of computer science that focuses on creating technology that can complete tasks that would typically require human intelligence. AI directs computers to learn from human-inputted data to improve over time as more information is produced. (OpenAI, 2024)

Before this project, I believed generative AI was a useful tool that I would use occasionally. In terms of education, I never saw generative AI as a tool; instead, I viewed it as a form of "cheating." Since search engine generative AI like ChatGPT computes exactly what you ask it to do, I saw this as cheating because it would give students the answers to just about anything. After completing this project, I now see how AI isn't something that will be going away, and teachers should begin to incorporate it into their day-to-day activities. AI shouldn't be seen as a negative impact on students but should be viewed as a tool, just like a thesaurus.

I don't believe AI will take away the jobs of educators. The job of teaching requires close relationships with colleagues, parents, students, and communities in order to ensure student academic success. Based on what I have learned from this project, educators should use AI as a tool to make areas of teaching easier and complete them more efficiently. There are a variety of minor tasks within teaching that are time-consuming and prevent teachers from creating deeper relationships with students (Gallent, 2024). AI can be used to make those tasks easier and completed quicker, giving teachers more time to engage in meaningful interactions more often.

There are many recommendations for teachers on how to incorporate AI into the classroom. I believe teachers should integrate AI into their planning and assessment processes to make their jobs more effective. I also believe that teachers should teach students how to use AI as an educational tool, just like they would with any other form of technology integration. When doing this, teachers should also educate themselves on how to detect AI in students' responses and teach the significance of plagiarism and fact-checking (Gallent, 2024). AI should be taught as a tool and not as an easy way out.

References

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (October 1 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat.

Gallant, P. (n.d.). Generative AI and the Future of Teaching in America. Klassroom. Retrieved October 27, 2024, from https://www.klassroom.com/blogs/teacher-resources/generative-ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-in-america