AI is taking this generation by storm. Rather it is a resource or a setback that is up for each user to decide.
AI was created in 1956 and has slowly developed into the technology that society now knows. This generation knows AI as Amazon Echo, Chat GPT, Google, Roomba, and many more. Each is designed to improve the consumer’s daily life experiences.
Our school in particular primarily utilizes Google and Chat GPT, and both come with lots of controversy. For example, Google is known worldwide as a research tool. Instantly any information about the world is obtainable with these apps. The search tool is fast, efficient, and improves learning and studying. Google is a shortcut, but most of the time, it’s a resourceful one.
“I think AI is a resource. There is still a lot to learn. However, if used correctly, ChatGPT and AI are great tools,” Kristen Kuczera, a counselor at the high school, said.
The possible downside of Google is the loss of personal knowledge gained. Being able to find answers quickly could lead to no individual research. In a world without Google, looking to obtain information would take way more time and effort. The loss of Google is also what would lead to improved individual understanding and comprehension. Google also makes students specifically question themselves, thinking “What’s the point of doing this much research? Assumingly at least once during K-12 youve had to conduct some research on some topic. The research is individually beneficial but becomes repetitive and can seem useless. Why do this much research if someone somewhere else with an expert-level understanding has done it before?” These being the only two downsides makes Google an efficient resource for in school and out of school.
“I think it has a lot of potential as a tool but I’m concerned about the diminishment of the human element,” Mrs. Edleman said.
There’s a whole other stigma with Chat GPT at the high school education level. Created in 2015 by OpenAI, it was made to create intelligent tutoring systems capable of providing personalized assistance to students. Although ChatGPT is still used for this, it can often be misused by students. Excessive dependence on ChatGPT can lead to students relying on it for answers without truly understanding the material. At this point, AI can become a setback for students rather than a resource.
“With technology constantly changing and improving in this generation, there is still a lot to learn. There are a lot of benefits to ChatGPT and AI. The high school will need to adapt and know how to police it in the future as it continues to change,” Kuczera said.
Ultimately, technology as we know it will continue to change. Schools and individuals should know the risks and benefits of AI, as well as learn to not abuse AI.
“Students and Staff will all need to learn how to use AI in a way that is supportive. I believe that there are alot of benefits to AI systems and especially if not used in a negative way,” Kuczera said.
