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Generative AI in Education: An Introduction
Cowritten with ChatGPT4
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, including education, in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. AI has been defined as “a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions influencing real and virtual environments (National Artificial Intelligence Act, 2020)”. Among the AI paradigms, Generative AI stands out for its potential to transform teaching and learning. This page aims to demystify Generative AI, explore its applications in education, and address ethical considerations for its use in educational settings.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a class of artificial intelligence that can generate new content, including text, images, music, and more, based on the data it has been trained on. Unlike traditional AI, which interprets or acts on existing data, Generative AI creates new, original outputs that can resemble human-like creativity. At the heart of Generative AI are algorithms known as neural networks, which mimic the way the human brain operates, learning from vast amounts of data to recognize patterns, make decisions, and generate new content.
How Does Generative AI Work?
Generative AI works by using special programs called models, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and transformer models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). These models undergo training on large datasets, such as books, articles, websites, and other content. During training, the model learns patterns, relationships, and statistical dependencies between words, phrases, and concepts. It identifies common sequences, grammar rules, and semantic associations. When generating text, the model predicts one word at a time, conditioned on the preceding words. It starts with an initial seed (e.g., a prompt) and generates subsequent tokens. The model assigns probabilities to different word choices based on context. When faced with ambiguous contexts, the model may produce multiple plausible continuations.
After training the AI, it can then begin to generate responses based on information provided and algorithms established. For example, by training on a dataset of essays, a Generative AI model can learn to produce new essays on given topics. The technology's capability to generate content is grounded in its understanding of the data's complexities, enabling it to produce outputs indistinguishable from those created by humans.
Considerations
Many generative AI tools are developed and owned by corporations. We should ask ourselves and further research: How are these tools trained? What safeguards do corporations use to protect against inaccurate information or harmful interactions? Are there any safeguards applied? Remember, when requesting a task with generative AI, we are not asking an actual person; generative AI does not understand nor can critically think through the request given- responses are based on prediction. Each word, or group of words, in a response, is generated through inherently probabilistic prediction.
Ethical Considerations
Understanding how generative AI works and things to keep in mind, it's imperative to navigate its ethical landscape with care. Here are key considerations:
- Plagiarism and Originality: The ease of generating content with AI raises concerns about plagiarism and the authenticity of students' work. Educators should establish clear guidelines and use plagiarism detection tools to maintain academic integrity.
- Bias and Fairness: AI models can perpetuate biases present in their training data. It's essential to critically evaluate the content generated by AI and ensure it promotes inclusivity and fairness.
- Privacy: Using AI tools that require student data necessitates strict adherence to privacy laws and ethical standards, safeguarding students' personal information.
- Dependence: There's a risk of becoming overly reliant on AI for educational content and assessment. Educators should use AI as a supplement to traditional teaching methods, ensuring that learning outcomes are achieved through a balanced approach.
- Responsibility: It is the responsibility of users of generative AI to validate the accuracy of the content produced. It is essential to use digital literacy skills to ensure accuracy by fact-checking and critically analyzing the information presented and not just accepting what is given.
As of this page's publication, our institution has not yet implemented specific policies related to this content. However, it's important to note that once such policies are established, they will take precedence over the information provided here. This means that the forthcoming institutional policies will be the guiding standards, and this page should not be considered a substitute for those official guidelines.
Using Generative AI in Education
Keeping these ethical considerations in mind, there are still promising opportunities in education. Generative AI offers innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning experiences online and in traditional classrooms. Here are just a few ways educators can leverage this technology:
- Content Creation: Teachers can use Generative AI to create customized reading materials, exercises, or summaries, saving time and providing tailored learning experiences.
- Interactive Learning: Generative AI can simulate conversations or debates, allowing students to engage with AI-generated characters or scenarios. This can be particularly useful in language learning or historical simulations.
- Creative Assignments: Encourage students to use Generative AI tools to generate art, write stories, or compose music, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
- Automated Feedback: AI can provide instant feedback on students' assignments, offering suggestions for improvement and making the learning process more efficient.
One advantage of incorporating generative AI is that it frees up more of your time, allowing for increased engagement and interaction with your students. Your role extends beyond just being an expert in your subject matter; students also rely on you to address their concerns, clarify confusion, and support their learning journey in various ways.
Conclusion
Generative AI represents a frontier of possibility in education, offering tools and methodologies that can unprecedentedly enhance teaching and learning. As we navigate this new terrain, we must emphasize harnessing AI's potential responsibly and ethically, ensuring it can augment the educational experience without undermining the values of creativity, integrity, and human connection. For faculty members venturing into the world of AI, the journey promises discovery, challenge, and immense potential. Educators can unlock new dimensions of learning and teaching in the digital age by approaching Generative AI with curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to ethical practices.
Reference
Congress.gov (2020). H.R.6216 - National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020. H.R.6216 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Jobin, A., Ienca, M., & Vayena, E. (2019). The global landscape of AI ethics guidelines. Nature Machine Intelligence, 1(9), 389–399. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-019-0088-2
OpenAI (2024). ChatGPT4 []
Contributors
- Dr. Jessica Sanchez, Center for Online Learning & Teaching Technology
- Dr. Randall Monty, Writing & Language Studies
- Irma Hermida, Strategy & Bus Relationships
