Maximizing the Potential and Minimizing the Risks of Generative AI: One Educator’s Perspective

Fascination, fear, awe, skepticism, curiosity… generative AI can evoke a wide range of emotions and reactions in people. 

As an educator, I have seen firsthand the impact that technology has had on the classroom, from online learning platforms to interactive whiteboards and now, a technology that is becoming increasingly important in education is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn, but it also poses challenges and risks…like plagiarism.

Plagiarism is what led me to what I am calling, a two-week AI bender. Here is the backstory: Over the last semester, I have suspected students were using ChatGPT to write their papers, but I didn’t have a way to verify my suspicions. I wasn’t the only one with concerns, it was the watercooler conversation of most of our faculty. So here we go, out with Covid and in with generative AI – hold onto your hats people!

If you are an educator, a businessperson, a leader, or someone who is simply curious about the potential of generative AI, this series of blogs is for you.

Let us start by looking back…

During the early years of the World Wide Web, there was a lot of excitement about its potential to revolutionize the way we access and share information. However, there were also critiques of the web and the ways in which it was being used. For example:

“The Internet? We are not interested in it.” – Bill Gates, 1993

By 1999, Bill Gates was quoted as saying:

“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”

These quotes made me laugh.

Look where we are 30 years later. Pew Research Center (2021) reports that today, 93% of Americans are on the web. Most of us cannot live without technology.

Early adopters of technology are rare (Even for innovators like Bill Gates). According to Roger’s (1962) Diffusion of Innovation, only 2.5% of individuals will adopt an innovation out of the gate.

I anticipate that AI will be no different. Like the World Wide Web, AI has the potential to transform a wide range of industries, from education to healthcare to entertainment in both positive and negative ways. It will also take time for people to build a comfort level with its use. As educators and leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently, and in ways that benefit all students, businesses, and communities.

Let’s explore some of the positives and negatives of AI in education and beyond, and how we can maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.

Positives of AI in Education

1. Personalized Learning: AI can analyze data on student performance and provide personalized recommendations and feedback, helping students to learn at their own pace and level. Watch for an upcoming blog on how AI can help students of all abilities love learning.
2. Increased Efficiency: AI can automate administrative tasks, such as grading, lesson planning, and record-keeping, freeing up time for teachers to focus on more meaningful interactions with students.
3. Enhanced Accessibility: AI-powered tools can provide accessibility features for students who are deaf or students with dis/abilities, such as text-to-speech and closed captioning. Watch for an upcoming blog on how AI can increase inclusiveness and equity in the classroom for deaf students and students with dis/abilities.
4. Innovative Teaching Methods: AI can support innovative teaching methods, such as gamification and simulation-based learning, which can make learning more engaging and interactive for students. I have tried this out and it is a lot of fun for both instructor and the students. Watch for upcoming blogs on how ChatGPT can flip the classroom and make learning creative and enjoyable.

Negatives of AI in Education

1. Bias and Discrimination: AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, which means that there is a risk of bias and discrimination in AI-powered tools. This can perpetuate stereotypes and inequalities in education. Watch for an upcoming blog on creating inclusive classrooms using AI.
2. Dependence on Technology: As AI becomes more prevalent in education, there is a risk that students will become overly reliant on technology, to the point where they lose the ability to think critically and solve problems without it. This dependence can also lead to cheating. Watch for an upcoming blog that will teach your students the dos and don’ts of generative AI.
3. Privacy Concerns: Can I please have a raise of hands of those who have been affected by privacy theft or data breaches – yes, most of us? As AI collects and analyzes more data, there is a risk that privacy will be compromised. This can lead to surveillance, data breaches, and identity theft.
4. Job Displacement: As AI automates more tasks and processes in education, there is a risk that it will displace jobs, particularly in administrative and support roles. This can lead to unemployment and economic inequality. Watch for an upcoming blog on how AI can help you innovate and become indispensable to your workplace.

AI is a powerful and complex technology, but it will never replace human creativity and innovation. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently, and in ways that benefit all students. By recognizing the opportunities and challenges of AI in education, we can work towards creating a future in which AI is used to enhance learning and student potential, rather than replace it.

Epilogue:

Fascination, AWE, and curiosity are what I felt when my son entered the prompt, “Heroic white poodle named Buddy in a red cap with a forest in the background” into Midjourney – an AI software that transforms words into original art. I encourage you to try Midjourney.com out! It is currently open-source AI and you can get 25 pictures free. (And if you have not met our family dog, Buddy, this looks just like him!)

Transparency Clause:

This blog was inspired in part by ChatGPT and may contain some generative AI.

References:

Pew Research Center. (2021). 7% of Americans don’t use the internet. Who are they?
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/02/7-of-americans-dont-use-the-internet-who-are-they/

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition (5th edition). Free Press