Iowa’s State Universities Not Shying Away From AI Technology in Classrooms
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While educators across the nation grapple with ethical concerns raised by new chatbots powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Iowa’s public universities are exploring ways to incorporate these technological advancements into the classroom.
ChatGPT, an AI tool developed by OpenAI, utilizes natural language processing to generate conversations that resemble human interaction. Although the software is not flawless, educators in Iowa highlight the unique experiences it offers to students.
AI has been in existence for decades, but recent advancements in the field have posed new questions for higher education.
Carl Follmer, an instructor at the University of Iowa and interim director of the Frank Business Communications Center, has been aware of ChatGPT and its potential impact on the Tippie College of Business since November 2022. After familiarizing himself with the software for months, he plans to integrate it into classrooms this spring.
"I view ChatGPT and AI chatbots as useful tools for generating text, but they fall short when it comes to writing for humans," he explained. "We will teach our students how to utilize ChatGPT as a tool to generate raw language and then modify, enhance, and infuse it with the content necessary for human comprehension."
He believes the most effective way to employ this emerging AI technology is to extract the fundamental principles of business communications from the website and then refine the text. Follmer emphasized the need to optimize ChatGPT’s potential for successful utilization.
Iowa State University also embraces this new technology while remaining cautious about its limitations. Associate Provost Ann Marie VanDerZanden recognizes the importance of incorporating AI education into their science and technology-focused institution, ensuring students learn how to responsibly utilize AI in any form it takes.
"We are deeply engaged in understanding the benefits of AI from a developmental writing perspective and its limitations," VanDerZanden stated. "This technology will continue to evolve, and faculty members are already thinking about creative ways to leverage tools like this to enhance students’ learning experiences within their respective fields."
Academic integrity is a concern that the University of Northern Iowa’s Dean’s Council addressed during their February 20 meeting. Pete Moris, the university’s director of university relations, shared that the campus actively discusses new opportunities for ChatGPT while maintaining high standards of academic integrity.
Similarly, VanDerZanden acknowledged the role of AI chatbots in academic integrity at her university. Earlier in the year, Iowa State University formed a task force to develop guidelines for syllabi on the acceptable uses and limitations of ChatGPT and other AI generators within the classroom environment.
While concerns exist, there is still room for students to learn while AI technology continues to improve. VanDerZanden emphasized that cheating has always been present and is not solely a consequence of the widespread availability of AI tools. Furthermore, she highlighted that AI programs may generate content, but there is no guarantee of its accuracy. This provides an opportunity for higher education institutions to guide students in understanding that AI is not a perfect tool.
As faculty members at Iowa State University explore innovative approaches to integrating this technology, VanDerZanden stressed that students also play a role in taking responsibility for their engagement with AI. Students need to inquire about AI usage in each class and seek clarification if they are uncertain.
ISU’s primary focus is to present students with the advantages and disadvantages of AI technology while upholding academic integrity.
The University of Northern Iowa is also working on defining guidelines regarding the use of ChatGPT and chatbots.
The University of Iowa (UI) acknowledges the concerns surrounding academic dishonesty and seeks to address them through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. While acknowledging that cheating is a real issue that cannot be completely eradicated, UI recognizes the need to make it more difficult for students to engage in dishonest practices.
According to UI Professor Patrick Fan, it is possible to differentiate between AI-generated work and human-authored work to some extent. Although the cognitive capabilities of AI, specifically the ChatGPT model, are impressive, there are tools available, such as ChatZero, that instructors can utilize to determine if a submission was created by a human or AI. While these tools may not detect all instances of AI-generated work, they are effective in identifying most of them. With experience, instructors can develop an understanding of patterns and distinguish AI-generated content more easily.
Princeton University student and OpenAI have developed ChatZero, a tool aimed at detecting AI-written texts. Additionally, Turnitin, a widely-used online plagiarism detection tool, is also exploring the creation of AI-checking software.
Despite the concerns surrounding AI-generated work, there are potential positive outcomes of incorporating AI in the classroom. Follmer believes that the presence of AI can spur professors to design more creative assignments and develop more comprehensive rubrics. However, faculty members must be adaptable and embrace a curious mindset to navigate the consequences of technological advancements effectively. This may involve refining prompts and rubrics to emphasize elements like tone and audience analysis.
Fan emphasizes the importance of approaching AI with an open mind while remaining cautious. It is crucial to understand the limitations, potential biases, and risks associated with AI-generated content. By conducting due diligence and critically evaluating these tools, instructors can harness AI as a positive classroom assistant.
In conclusion, UI recognizes the importance of tackling academic dishonesty, particularly in the context of evolving AI technologies. By implementing AI tools, fostering adaptability and curiosity among faculty, and critically assessing AI-generated work, UI aims to create a more transparent and ethically sound academic environment.