Lilynn Smith
Can artificial intelligence one day be ethically and skillfully integrated into school curriculum? Dr. Scott Nokes and lecturer Anna Orlofsky-Bailey of the English department believe so, and they are playing host to a series of clinics over the next several weeks to educate students on how they can ethically use artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) operates through simple but lengthy mathematical equations. Due to the lack of empathy and logic that people use to problem solve, the integrity of the system has always raised questions.
This, along with privacy concerns, biases and misinformation, are among many reasons why AI is not viewed as an ethical tool in most educational environments and is prohibited by many professors at Troy University.
“Our guiding belief is that there is a way to use artificial intelligence ethically and effectively in the right process,” said Dr. Anna Orlofsky-Bailey, English lecturer and speaker for the clinics. “Our goal is not to ‘catch’ when AI has been used in the same way that we would ‘catch’ plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty.”
The first session included how to use Copilot; an AI software paid for by the university using individual students’ school emails.
Orlofsky-Bailey demonstrated that a PowerPoint presentation can be converted into a conversation between user and computer, with AI taking on the role of a tutor.
Both speakers at the session explained how creating the framework for an essay and later inserting the information into AI to generate a paper is one way that artificial intelligence can be used to assist in writing while also using the original ideas from people.
“It’s really helpful, especially if you feel like you’re stuck in your own bubble,” said Nokes, professor of English and speaker.
Nokes went into detail about how AI is a way to easily access another perspective when most individuals unintentionally surround themselves with like-minded people.
AI is a way to access counterarguments and identify other viewpoints to strengthen an opinion paper or any writing.
“There is currently a misconception about AI,” said Alivia Radovich, a junior English major from Elk Grove, California. “It is designed to help us develop and refine already formed ideas, theories or arguments, not create them for us.
“Something I look forward to when advocating for the ethical use of AI tools is the preparation that students will have for their future careers.”
Following the completion of all four sessions, students in attendance will be able to educate others on how to ethically use AI in composition. The AI Writing Trainers are seeking to connect with clubs and organizations on campus and for those who may be interested, contact Alivia Radovich at aradovich@troy.edu.
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