Students Share Perspectives on AI

By Hayden Bowen/Reporter

Technology is constantly developing and is reaching all aspects of life. Many people are unsure where that reach will end. One of the most currently talked about aspects of technology is the development of artificial intelligence and what changes it may bring. Since its mainstream development through applications like ChatGPT, artificial intelligence has revolutionized many parts of human life, including education. Like how some view AI itself, many are concerned of the effects that AI may have on education.

The concept of AI stretches back to historical times, but its current development began in the mid-20th century. Initially, AI focused on problem solving and logical reasoning. With advances in computing power and algorithms, AI’s capabilities have grown to encompass natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.

Austin Abercrombie, a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics, describes his experience with AI in his education and field of occupation. “I used, created AI in the class I took, and I have also used it for personal programming projects of mine, as well as for general questions like creating a diet plan,” Abercrombie said. Through Abercrombie’s learning experience in computer science, his understanding of AI as a tool is realized in a real-world application., but he said AI can also be dangerous. “I can see a very dystopian future ahead of us where it’s impossible to know what’s real and what’s not,” Abercrombie said. Of course, a computer science major would have more in depth experience with AI, but what does the average student think?

Many students believe that AI can be a great tool if used properly, but how many students are using AI in their academics? According to Best Colleges, “56% of college students have used AI on assignments or exams. Another 41% of students say they have not, and 4% prefer not to answer.”

Holden Griffin, a former NWACC student, is studying for his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas and shared his thoughts. “AI in my personal experience and education has allowed me to learn new things very easily because AI is very efficient when it comes to coding and basic knowledge,” Griffin said. Through extremely difficult and technical courses, students can utilize AI to help understand topics that they were struggling with before. When asked about the issue of academic misconduct with AI, Griffin said, “That’s just something that many educators are going to have to deal with because students have always had access to different cheating methods. It’s the educators’ job to teach students how to use it as a resource and not as an ability to cheat.” Usage of AI in classwork has raised the question whose responsibility it is to control AI usage in academics, the students, the teachers, or the school.

Many students find professors’ methods to work around AI to be frustrating or unproductive. Konnor Wall, a two-year student at NWACC, shared his experiences with these methods. “It has been a hassle to get around because of the things that my teachers have implemented. Certain things I couldn’t turn in online, I had to write on paper because of it, and it was really annoying.” Professors’ attempts to avoid AI usage has caused a nuisance for some students, however, some professors are embracing AI. According to Best Colleges, “53% of students say they have had coursework that requires them to use AI as part of an assignment.” As students navigate the integration of AI into their schoolwork, some instructors are also debating its function in the classroom.

While AI can provide individualized help and feedback, students could lose the human connection and compassion that instructors can provide. Certain instructors think that allowing students to avoid traditional learning techniques with AI may result in unpredictable and perhaps negative outcomes. Some would say that educators with this opposition may be overlooking AI, as they can use it as a tool themselves. Educators can utilize AI to create interactive learning resources, such as virtual simulations and educational games, that engage students and encourage active learning. Additionally, AI-powered recommendation systems support students in discovering appropriate resources and study materials based on their interests and learning objectives. This resistance to AI may also be due to the fear that, like many other occupations, AI may take the jobs of teachers as well.

            Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but with AI still progressing, it can reshape for better or worse. Through AI, students can apply real-world experience with this growing technology. For educators, AI could be utilized for customized learning experiences, improve teaching efficiency and simplify organizational processes.