BOSTON – Numerous misconceptions, forecasts, and partial truths surround artificial intelligence, with common beliefs that it poses a threat to job security and carries inherent risks.
Generative AI, exemplified by platforms like ChatGPT, stands out as a widely embraced technology capable of generating diverse content forms such as audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos.
AI exhibits the capacity to compose comprehensive academic essays, develop outlines, compile bibliographies, and handle various tasks.
Patty Patria, the Chief Information Officer at Babson College, emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI-generated work, stating, “AI serves as a valuable tool to enhance tasks, but it necessitates human verification for proper utilization.”
A recent survey conducted by BestColleges unveiled that 56% of college students acknowledge using AI technology to complete assignments.
Furthermore, students at Boston University and Northeastern University, surveyed by WBZ, admitted to leveraging AI technology for academic purposes.
Regarding its utility, a Northeastern student remarked, “It offers a broad perspective, which is quite convenient,” while a BU student expressed satisfaction with ChatGPT’s effectiveness in aiding assignments.
Addressing concerns such as plagiarism and diminished learning opportunities, Tilman Wolf, the Senior Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at UMass Amherst, highlighted instances of erroneous references generated by AI models.
Despite these apprehensions, the widespread adoption of AI necessitates local universities to address the matter proactively, with many institutions currently formulating AI policies for students and faculty.
Wolf emphasized the importance of faculty guidance in determining the appropriateness of AI usage, underscoring the need for clear expectations to guide student conduct.
Patty Patria of Babson College expressed optimism about the institution’s progress in developing an AI policy, aiming to finalize it by the academic year’s conclusion.
Key considerations and recommendations proposed for professors include:
- Prohibiting AI usage.
- Discouraging AI reliance while mandating proper attribution.
- Encouraging and potentially assigning AI-enhanced tasks.
- Assessing AI utilization on a case-by-case basis for assignments.
Wolf emphasized the enduring presence of generative AI models and advocated for campus-wide awareness, transparency in usage, and student training to ensure responsible application of these tools in professional settings.
