AI and ChatGPT in the Winnachronicle
In the November 29th, 2023 edition, Winnachronicle ran two stories, one written by a human about ChatGPT in the classroom, and one written by ChatGPT. Do you think you can decipher which one was written by a bot? "Teachers unsure about AI and ChatGPT in the classroom"
AI and Chat GPT have been recently popular due to algorithms and improvements with its systems. Ever since they’ve become more popular, high school students have been using the sites to write their English essays so they don’t have to. Although AI could be brilliant it could also be scary for others, since it can take people’s jobs.
English teacher Shannon Clifford explained the upcoming AI sites as intimidating.
“It’s daunting,” Clifford said. “English teachers have always dealt with the issue of plagiarism, but the old ways of finding it don’t work with Chat GPT.”
Chat GPT has made it more difficult for teachers to realize if the essay they received was actually their student’s or a robot’s work. Clifford said GPT isn’t actually plagiarism but teachers still would appreciate it if you’d write essays yourself since you improve your skills by doing your own work.
Clifford explained that there’s some sites that tell a teacher if the essays were written by AI.
“There are some resources that can tell a teacher if the text was likely created by AI, but it doesn’t give a definitive answer,” Clifford said.
Clifford said she thinks it’s an ignomy that the art of writing is being adjusted to an AI source. She said she thinks many business people in the world are using AI to do simple tasks. She said she thinks that in the future, AI’s role will become a bigger problem.
“I think it’s a shame that the written word and the art of crafting it have pretty much been relegated to a non-human source,” Clifford said. “I think already, many people in the business world are using it simply to craft emails. I’m sure it’s role will get bigger and bigger.”
Clifford last added that English teachers and students are both extending their knowledge of AI as new information comes forward.
“We English teachers are learning alongside you students about what AI can do, how we can use it, and what its benefits and pitfalls are,” Clifford said.
English teacher Carl Printzlau said his opinion on Chat GPT is complicated, but he is fascinated by it.
“My opinion is fairly complex as an English teacher,” he said. “I think that it is a fantastic tool, and I am impressed with what it can create.”
Pritzlau said that he’s worried it’ll demolish people’s talent to create themselves. He said he thinks it should only be used wisely as it can be a tool for some.
“I worry that it will supplant people’s desire to think for themselves or to strive as authors and communicators,” Printzlau said. “If it is just used as a tool, I think it can help people order their thoughts, cut organizational corners, and support human creativity, but if it is used as a replacement for those things I believe that everyone will suffer creatively and a bit intellectually.”
Printzlau said to steer his students away from using the source, he encourages them to use their own creativity.
“I personally try to deter my students from using it as a replacement to their own writing through conversation and trust,” he said.
He said since it’s new, he relies on his everyday interactions with his students to make sure they’re not using the source.
“It’s such a new technology I mostly rely on my own knowledge of my students ability and style as well as the relationship I have built with them,” Printzlau said.
Printzlau said the other technique he uses is having students hand write their assignments to expand their knowledge and ensure they’re the ones writing their papers.
“I have also been having my students write journals, outlines, and drafts by hand more often so they have no other option but practicing their brainstorming and writing skills,” the English teacher said.
Prinztalu said one of his worries as an English teacher is that students will start to trust Chat GPT or AIs in general to do their work. He said it can soothe students’ worries and get the work done in seconds.
“I worry that students will grow to blindly trust Chat GPT or AIs in general because it can relieve so much stress and remove so much responsibility,” Printzlau said. “I want my students to think critically and communicate honestly. I want them to push themselves and grow as writers. I hope they don’t lose those qualities.”
Printzlau explained that in the future he thinks AI will have positive effects on everyone.
“If I’m being rational, I think it has super positive applications across a lot of aspects of life,” he said.
Overall, everyone is getting used to AI and learning the new things it can do. While it gets more popular and comes out with new aspects, it’s important everyone keeps up with their own creativity and doesn’t get sidetracked by using AI for anything and everything.
"Adapting to AI in the classroom"
Winnacunnet High School is abuzz with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the introduction of ChatGPT into our daily learning routine. The perspectives of three teachers Lisa Harris, Shannon Clifford, and Carl Printzlau reveal a spectrum of opinions on this technological evolution.
Harris is a business teacher and yearbook adviser who appreciates the opportunity AI presents. Harris radiated optimism about the integration of AI into the classroom.
“AI is a remarkable opportunity for our students,” she said, “In the business landscape, AI serves as an invaluable tool, providing students with a unique chance to refine their skills and seamlessly transition into the professional sphere.”
Harris said she believes in the potential for growth and success through AI underscores the power she sees in this technological advancement. Her positive outlook aligns with a future where students harness AI as a supportive companion on their academic and professional journeys.
Clifford, an English teacher, said she worries about the lack of humanness in the tool.
“There’s a palpable unease in the transition from human connection to automated responses,” Ms. Clifford admitted.
Clifford’s reservations echo the concern surrounding the potential dilution of the human element in education. Her perspective raises questions about finding a balance between technological efficiency and preserving the emotional connection to the teacher-student dynamic.
“Teaching, at its core, revolves around forging connections and understanding the distinctive voices of our students. The pervasive fear is that an overreliance on AI might erode the personal touch integral to the learning experience,” Clifford said.
English teacher Prinzlau is conflicted about the emergence of the tool.
“The landscape is far from black and white. AI is a potent tool, yet we must tread cautiously,” said Prinzlau, “The challenge lies in finding equilibrium.”
As students and teachers adapt to this technological change, the varied perspectives of Harris, Clifford, and Printzlau contribute to the variety of opinions on how AI will change the future. The integration of AI in classrooms sparks both excitement and apprehension. The ongoing dialogue is sure to shape the way AI and ChatGPT are used in the classroom going forward.
Which story was written by ChatGPT?
- Teachers unsure about AI and ChatGPT in the classroom
- Adapting to AI in the classroom
And the answer is....
"Adapting to AI in the classroom"! By plugging in teachers names, and changing some wording, ChatGPT was able to produce a fairly convincing article. "Teachers unsure about AI and ChatGPT in the classroom," was written by Tasia.