How might students be using generative AI?
Understanding the various ways students might be using generative AI is critical for instructors. Students might use generative AI for various academic tasks, which can be both beneficial and potentially problematic depending on the context and extent of use. This knowledge can help in designing assignments that deter misuse, encouraging constructive uses, and maintaining academic integrity.
Some possible student uses of generative AI include the following:
Sample uses
- Students may use AI to write entire essays or substantial portions of them, inputting prompts related to their assignment topics.
- AI can assist students in drafting essays, offering suggestions for improving clarity, coherence, and grammar.
- AI can summarize lengthy academic papers, helping students grasp key points quickly without reading the entire document.
Implications
- Risk: Students might submit entire or portions of AI-generated essays as their own, which constitutes academic dishonesty.
- Benefit: AI can help with brainstorming and refining ideas, improving the overall quality of student writing when used appropriately.
Sample uses
- Students can use AI to generate lists of research topics or questions based on initial keywords or subject areas.
- AI can condense complex articles, papers, and textbooks into concise summaries, making it easier for students to understand and engage with the material.
- AI can provide ideas for hypotheses or avenues to investigate.
Implications
- Risk: Over-reliance on AI summaries may lead students to a superficial understanding and reduced critical engagement with source materials.
- Benefit: AI can enhance the efficiency and breadth of research, allowing students to cover more ground in less time.
Sample uses
- AI can generate flashcards, quizzes, and practice questions tailored to specific subjects and topics.
- AI can create study guides summarizing key concepts and information for exam preparation.
- AI-powered tutors can provide personalized explanations and answer questions, helping students understand difficult concepts.
Implications
- Risk: Students might become dependent on AI, reducing their ability to study and learn independently.
- Benefit: AI can enhance study efficiency and effectiveness, providing additional support and resources for exam preparation.
Sample uses
- AI tools like GitHub Copilot can write code snippets or complete coding assignments based on given specifications.
- AI can help identify and fix bugs in code, providing explanations and solutions.
- Students can use AI to generate and optimize algorithms for specific tasks.
Implications
- Risk: Students may submit AI-generated code without understanding it, undermining the learning process and academic integrity.
- Benefit: AI can act as a tutor, guiding students through complex coding challenges and helping them learn new programming techniques.
Sample uses
- AI can generate artwork, designs, and visual content based on student inputs, aiding in art and design courses.
- Students can use AI to write poems, stories, and scripts, providing inspiration and content ideas.
- AI can compose music, helping students create original pieces for music courses.
Implications
- Risk: Students might claim AI-generated creative work as their own, raising issues of originality and authenticity.
- Benefit: AI can serve as a creative partner, expanding the creative horizons of students and providing new avenues for artistic expression.
Sample uses
- AI chatbots can simulate conversations in foreign languages, helping students practice speaking and listening skills.
- AI translation tools can translate text between languages, assisting students in language assignments and learning.
- AI can provide instant feedback on grammar and vocabulary usage, helping students improve their language skills.
Implications
- Risk: Over-reliance on AI for translations and corrections may hinder the development of independent language skills.
- Benefit: AI can provide valuable practice and feedback, complementing traditional language learning methods.
Generative AI offers powerful tools that can significantly enhance the learning experience when used ethically and responsibly. However, it also poses risks to academic integrity if misused. By understanding how students might use these technologies, instructors can design assignments that encourage productive use, foster deep learning, and uphold the values of academic honesty.
This content was developed with the assistance of Open AI’s ChatGPT.