Over the past year, some educators have embraced artificial intelligence-powered tools, while others remain uncertain about their role in schools. Jade Pham recently discovered that utilizing artificial intelligence to assist children with math problems may not always yield the desired results. According to Pham, the student services representative at Kawananakoa Middle School, when she used ChatGPT, an online AI tool, to explain a math problem, the responses provided were consistently incorrect. Despite this, Pham emphasized the importance of students utilizing their critical thinking skills when engaging with new technologies. She stated, “AI can serve as a valuable tool, but students must apply their critical thinking abilities when exploring unfamiliar systems.”
Pham acknowledged the dual nature of technology, highlighting that it presents both advantages and disadvantages. She emphasized the importance of educators having the autonomy to choose the most suitable tools for their educational environments.
On the other hand, Cindy Reves, a teacher at McKinley High School, faced challenges in identifying plagiarism due to the rise of AI-generated content. The reliability of existing software to detect AI-generated work has been called into question, making it increasingly difficult for educators to discern original student work from AI-generated content. As Reves navigates the integration of AI into her classroom, she is contemplating the establishment of clear policies to address this issue.
In December, the Hawaii Education Association conducted seminars to educate teachers and school administrators about AI and its potential applications. While some states like Oregon and California have introduced official guidelines on AI usage in schools for the 2023–2024 academic year, Hawaii is still in the process of formulating comprehensive directives. The evolving nature of AI technology poses challenges in establishing concrete regulations, as noted by education experts like Bree Dusseault.
Joan Lewis, the president of the Hawaii Education Association, emphasized the need for professional development opportunities to assist educators in addressing instances of academic dishonesty related to AI. The ministry plans to offer online courses in early 2024 to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices.
Despite the growing interest in AI among educators, there are mixed sentiments regarding its implementation. While some institutions, like the Mid-Pacific Institute, have begun implementing AI usage policies, others, such as McKinley High School students like Malia Manuel, remain hesitant to rely on AI for academic tasks. Denise Dugan, an associate professor at Chaminade University, advocates for a balanced approach, encouraging educators to leverage AI for specific tasks while upholding the value of independent thinking and creativity in education.
