Overview
This lecture discusses the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by college students for coursework, its effects on learning and critical thinking, and the challenges faced by educators in addressing AI-assisted work.
Student Use of AI in Coursework
- More students are using AI for tasks like note-taking, study guides, practice tests, and summarizing texts.
- AI is also used for drafting essays and assisting with challenging STEM assignments, such as coding.
- Many students view AI use as a tool they will use throughout life and see little immediate risk.
Academic Integrity and Cheating
- Students often struggle to distinguish between acceptable AI assistance and plagiarism.
- Schools and teachers provide guidelines on AI use, but enforcement and clarity vary.
- The prevalence of AI use among peers can normalize behavior that borders on academic dishonesty.
Detection and Challenges for Educators
- Detection tools for AI-generated work exist but are unreliable and inconsistent.
- Teachers must balance teaching with investigating potential misuse of AI.
- Students are often able to deny AI use due to the lack of definitive proof from detection technology.
Potential Long-Term Effects
- Studies indicate that higher confidence in generative AI may reduce critical thinking in students.
- Over-reliance on AI could result in students not engaging deeply with learning material.
- There is concern about the long-term societal impact of diminished critical thinking skills as AI becomes more integrated.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
- Generative AI — AI that can produce content such as text, images, or code, mimicking human creativity.
- Plagiarism — Presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without proper attribution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on personal use of AI and understand your institution’s policies regarding academic honesty.
- Review assigned readings or studies on the impact of AI in education, such as the Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon study.
- Prepare questions or thoughts on AI use for upcoming class discussions on academic integrity.