When Lance Eaton, a college administrator, initially compiled a spreadsheet about universities’ policies on generative AI tools last spring, it primarily contained information about how these institutions were trying to restrict tools like ChatGPT. However, the landscape has significantly evolved since then. The list, now updated by educators at various small and large universities in the United States and around the world, has undergone a transformation. It no longer focuses on banning AI but, instead, on encouraging and teaching students how to effectively utilize these tools.
Eaton, an administrator at College Unbound in Rhode Island, explained that earlier, there was a knee-jerk reaction to AI, leading to bans during the spring semester. However, the conversation has shifted toward recognizing the benefits of AI for students. This evolving list is actively shared and discussed in AI-centric online communities, including Facebook groups like “Higher Ed Discussions of Writing and AI” and the Google group “AI in Education.”
Eaton noted that this resource has been instrumental in helping educators adapt to and incorporate AI into their classrooms. While AI may still pose challenges and discomfort, educators now have the opportunity to explore how universities and various courses, spanning from coding to sociology, are embracing AI.
With experts foreseeing the continued application of artificial intelligence, professors are increasingly concerned that ignoring or discouraging its use would disadvantage students and hinder their preparedness for the workforce.
Since its launch in late November, ChatGPT has been used for a range of tasks, from generating essays and stories to composing song lyrics and research paper abstracts. However, the technology and similar tools, such as Google’s Bard, have sparked concerns about inaccuracies, cheating, the spread of misinformation, and the potential reinforcement of biases, even as they gained popularity.
Surveys indicate that approximately 30% of college students used ChatGPT for their schoolwork during the past academic year, with English classes being the primary domain of its usage.
Jules White, an associate professor of computer science at Vanderbilt University, advocates for a proactive approach to incorporating AI into the curriculum. He believes it’s essential for professors to clearly communicate their stance on AI usage in the early days of the course, incorporating it into the syllabus. White asserts that AI cannot be ignored, as it will significantly impact various industries, necessitating proper training for students, faculty, and alumni.
Vanderbilt University is among the pioneers in supporting generative AI, offering comprehensive training and workshops to its faculty and students. They have experienced substantial engagement, with over 90,000 students enrolling in a three-week, 18-hour online course on the subject.
One significant challenge in utilizing AI effectively is crafting appropriate prompts, which can significantly impact the quality of the AI-generated responses. Vanderbilt aims to educate its community on this crucial aspect.
While concerns about cheating persist, White believes that students inclined to plagiarize can resort to alternative methods like Wikipedia or Google searches. He argues that students should be taught to use AI tools ethically to enhance their success.
Some educational institutions are hiring external experts to teach both faculty and students how to harness AI tools. Tyler Tarver, a former high school principal who now educates educators on tech tool strategies, has been actively engaged in training sessions across multiple states. He emphasizes the importance of teachers learning to use AI tools because their students will inevitably encounter them. Tarver demonstrates how these tools can be employed to identify grammar mistakes and assist with grading, potentially reducing teacher bias.
In summary, the educational landscape is evolving to embrace generative AI tools like ChatGPT, recognizing their potential benefits while addressing ethical concerns. Transparency and education are key elements in ensuring that students and educators effectively utilize AI in their academic pursuits.