Contributing Writer | Joshua Aarons
As we’re all aware, the use of artificial intelligence in academic settings has skyrocketed since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022. Professors and administrators alike have been tasked with figuring out whether to incorporate this newly accessible technology and how.
It’s safe to say that the responses have been mixed. The university has done an excellent job adapting to this emerging field by introducing countless offerings to teach students about AI, particularly those in the CS field. This is perhaps no better exemplified by the adoption of guidelines for research, theses, and dissertations at the graduate level in FIU.
As for professors, some have opted for a no-tolerance policy on AI, while others have allowed limited use of the technology so long as it does not supersede students’ creativity and originality. Some have even reverted to pencil and paper with the fear that any access to technology may prompt AI use. Though this regressive approach narrows the number of students with whom this works well. The inclusion of technology has made education not only more accessible to students from a distance but also to students with a variety of abilities and/or conditions. Restricting these risks jeopardizes the progress that has been made on this front.
For those advocating for “AI detectors.” They’re no silver bullet solution. In fact, they’re not even an effective means of detecting AI use. When writers put the Declaration of Independence into a supposed AI detector, it came back as 98.51% AI generated. A similar result happened when sections of the Bible were submitted. This leaves the door open to students being falsely accused of using AI, which has happened to several of my peers already.
So, what is to be done? It’s hard to say.
In my opinion, the most innovative approach I have seen is to pit students against AI. One of my professors created an assignment where students were given a prompt to submit to a large language model. We were then tasked with using the course material to critique the AI’s response. This method allows students to understand the flaws and limitations of the technology firsthand.
By engaging in open interaction with these emerging technologies and evaluating their shortcomings or defects, students can develop the critical thinking skills that are demanded in modern academic and professional settings. AI can be incredibly useful with preliminary research, refining writing, and bridging gaps in understanding. Outright prohibiting its use will not mean students won’t use it. It’ll just ensure that students will be secretive about how they use it.
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The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members
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