As many of you know, AI tools such as ChatGPT and others have been misused, especially in English Language Arts (ELA). Some students use AI to cheat by having it write their essays, allowing them to spend their time doing whatever they want while submitting an AI-generated paper as their own work.
While AI can be a valuable tool for studying and assisting teachers with grading, it is also being misused on our campus, in other schools in the district, and even nationwide.
Some students use AI for its intended purpose, such as helping with grammar and spelling suggestions, as well as studying. These uses can be beneficial, but they are often overshadowed by the improper ways AI is being used to cheat.
In a survey of 10 people, 6 admitted to using AI to cheat at some point, which is 60% of the people we asked, all of whom are students at our school.
This new platform makes it harder for ELA teachers, as you can imagine. There are many AI detectors available, such as QuillBot and its competitors, which help teachers identify AI-generated content.
These AI detectors make ELA teachers’ jobs easier, but the fact remains that this situation didn’t exist before, and it takes time that could be spent on grading assignments instead.
You might be thinking, “You said AI helps teachers grade,” and yes, it does. However, AI can also spread false information. It can generate incorrect grades and inaccurately assess the grade level of a student’s work. For example, I once asked an AI what grade level it assumed I was at, and it said “early college.” This means that if you submit an assignment to AI for grading, it may assign a grade based on a college-level standard, even though we are in middle school.
AI can be a useful tool when used correctly, but the problem arises when people misuse it to do their work for them, avoiding responsibility and taking the pressure off their shoulders.
In conclusion, AI is a great tool, but when misused, it becomes a problem. People need to understand how to use it responsibly and not as a shortcut to avoid their work.
