Chat GPT In The Classroom
By Nyasia B & Kevin T
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Chat-GPT is an AI that was made to follow the instructions of its users. For example, if we were assigned a project and had to write a 12-sentence paragraph on trees, all we must type is “Make me a 12-sentence paragraph on trees,” and it would have it for us in a matter of seconds. After some research, we went around and asked a few teachers what they thought about Chat-GPT. Our first interviewee was Courtney Cutright, a 7th-grade English Teacher at Northside Middle School. Her words were, “As a teacher, my first instinct about Chat-GPT was that students could use it to cheat. Now that I know more, Chat-GPT can be a great tool for students if used properly. Technology must support learning, not replace it. Just like with other forms of technology, students must be taught how to use AI appropriately. For instance, it is acceptable for a student to use Chat-GPT to get feedback on an essay he/she has written. However, it is not acceptable for students to have an essay generated by AI and attempt to submit the work as their own. As an English teacher, I see the potential for plagiarism violations.'
We completely agree with Mrs. Cutright. Yet we do not see how Chat-GPT can benefit a student in any way. Due to the way the app is used and set up, we do not see how it can help a student unless maybe by giving them an example for an essay or project.
We think that Chat-GPT would be a great resource for students and teachers across the country, but there are some pros and cons toward Chat-GPT. Pros about Chat-GPT include its availability 24/7, unlike teachers who need to finish work as soon as they are done teaching their last class of the day and go to sleep at around 7 pm. Another pro about Chat-GPT is that it can reduce student anxiety. Some students, like us, are anxious and scared of asking questions in class or wanting help from teachers. But Chat-GPT provides a secure, non-judgmental environment where students shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and receive feedback without being ashamed of themselves. Now, the cons include one being the dependence on technology. Some students might rely on Chat-GPT for everything, and if they rely on it too much, they might lose the ability to think properly or solve problems on their own. The second or last one is limited interactivity. While it gives an answer and feedback, it can’t replace the benefits of having a real-life teacher who can be there when you need support and guidance.
Our second interviewee was Amanda Waldron, an 8th-grade English teacher at Northside Middle School. She told us how teachers know whether students are using AI or not. Her words were, “I think Chat-GPT has benefits and drawbacks. The concern arises when students use Chat-GPT to not do work on their own and/or try to present AI writing as their own. I do, however, believe it can be used as a tool to help facilitate learning.” She also said that teachers at Northside have software that tells them whether a student is using AI, or the work is their own. There are a lot of RCPS consequences, four levels that you can face for using AI. According to the RCPS Plagiarism Procedures:
“Level One: Most of the work is original; however, the student has failed to document at least one phrase, sentence, or idea. Typical disciplinary actions that can occur include a conference between parent/teacher/counselor/student and a grade.”
“Level Two: Significant portions of the work are clearly not the student’s own and lack documentation. Typical disciplinary actions that can occur include a conference between parent, teacher, counselor, student, and administrator. Zero on the assignment with an opportunity to re-submit for a maximum of half credit.”
“Level Three: Most or all the work is clearly not the student’s own. Typical disciplinary actions that can occur include a conference between parent, teacher, counselor, student, and administrator. Zero on the assignment with an opportunity to re-submit for a maximum of half credit. Additional administrative actions.”
And lastly, “Level Four: Student has violated the plagiarism policy on more than one occasion and/or in more than one course. Typical disciplinary actions that can occur include a conference between parent, teacher, counselor, student, and administrator. Zero on the assignment. Additional administrative action.”
RCPS has a very low tolerance for plagiarism and usage of AI. Plagiarism is copying and stealing someone else’s words or work and claiming it as your own. If you want to use someone else’s words, you cite your sources. If you don’t, you will have to face one of the four RCPS Plagiarism consequences.
Plagiarism is someone using someone else’s words, thoughts, or ideas without properly crediting the original author. But there isn’t only one kind of plagiarism; there are a total of seven common types of plagiarism which include: complete, direct, paraphrasing, self, patchwork, source-based, and accidental plagiarism. Along with plagiarism, there are many consequences. Everywhere has a different consequence, but here are some of the most common: academic revocation, failing the assignment, failing the course/class, suspension, and being dismissed from the program or the institution. Even accidental plagiarism would still lead to consequences. Additionally, it can really ruin your academic or professional reputation.
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