The impact of AI on Park
April 13, 2023
According to senior Josh Madigan, students using AI as a shortcut to complete schoolwork could quickly become a big issue at Park.
“A lot of people could use it because they may see it as an easy way to get their essay done, or whatever problem that they’re working on,” Madigan said. “They don’t really have to think through it. They see it as an easier way to get all their work done if they don’t see the work as important.”
Principal LaNisha Paddock said that the administration and the technology department are currently working to mitigate the potential impact of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT on students’ work.
“It has been brought to the attention of our technology department, and they’re definitely looking at how AI influences the work that students are bringing to the table,” Paddock said. “Just as a general practice, most high schools have an academic integrity policy or practice that they abide by, because essentially you’re coming here to get an education, and we want your work.”
Having this type of resource is really nice and it’s something that can really be scaled up. As long as it’s used in a way that is as a stepping stone in support, as opposed to replacement, it can be very effective.
— Angela Fransen
Lindeman said that although he thinks students have good intentions, with the availability of a possible shortcut for doing schoolwork, they may be inclined to take it.
“I don’t think anyone really wants to be academically dishonest, but I mean, no one likes doing homework, myself included,” Lindeman said. “It’s an easy way to try and get out of that. No one’s going to do more work than they have to.”
Madigan said ChatGPT is useful as a learning support tool because it can help simplify difficult concepts in a convenient way.
“Overall, it hasn’t had too large of an impact on my learning,” Madigan said. “Once in a while, if I’m confused about some concepts or something like that, I may turn to AI and ask a simple question, and it’ll usually give me an explanation in a way that I can understand.”
According to Fransen, artificial intelligence can be very useful as a supplement to in-class learning.
“We’re in a teacher shortage and that’s going to be happening everywhere for a while,” Fransen said. “Having this type of resource is really nice and it’s something that can really be scaled up. As long as it’s used in a way that is as a stepping stone in support, as opposed to replacement, it can be very effective.”