Avast ye landlubbers! Them learned folk be cryin' "Cheating!" on ChatGPT, yet now they rely on AI for exam scrawlin': says the Prof!
2023-08-23
Arrr, me hearties! Be ye listenin'? Tis been said by a fine computer science professor to Fox News that ChatGPT, aye, that clever parrot, be not only aidin' students with their cursed homework, but now it be assistin' teachers in craftin' those selfsame courses. Sail on, ye wondrous technology!
In a humorous tone, a University of California, Berkeley professor of computer science, Hany Farid, revealed that teachers are themselves using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist with their lessons. Farid mentioned that faculty members are utilizing a chatbot called ChatGPT to write syllabi, exams, design courses, and create homework problems. While acknowledging the potential problems that AI can bring, Farid believes that it will disrupt education. ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, has been met with controversy in education as some teachers view it as a threat to traditional teaching methods. New York City Public Schools initially banned ChatGPT in classrooms due to concerns about cheating but later reversed the decision after considering the educational benefits it offers. Students have admitted to using ChatGPT to cheat, while teachers have recognized its capability to excel in their courses. Farid painted a dystopian scenario where instructors use ChatGPT to develop classes, students use it to complete assignments, and teachers rely on it to grade the AI-generated work. He expressed skepticism about AI's ability to provide meaningful feedback to students. However, teachers have found creative ways to utilize ChatGPT, such as translating Shakespeare or creating songs to aid in learning math formulas. A survey conducted by the Walton Family Foundation and Impact Research found that over 80% of teachers who used ChatGPT reported positive impacts on their classes. Farid mentioned a clever use of ChatGPT, where students would write essays using the tool and then edit the outcome to improve their revision skills. While Farid does not desire to be replaced by a computer, he acknowledges that AI will continue to advance.