AI for Schoolwork: is cheating really the main issue?

Welcome to Episode 2 of Digital Dominoes, titled “AI for Schoolwork: Is Cheating Really the Main Issue?” In this episode, our host, Angeline Corvaglia, chats with Ilkem Kayican Dipcin, an instructor at Sabanci University in Istanbul, about the intricate relationship between generative AI and academic integrity.

Introducing the Debate

Generative AI technology is evolving rapidly, and students around the world are increasingly using it for their schoolwork. This raises a big question: Is AI a valuable learning tool, or is it a potential gateway to cheating? In this episode, Ilkem shares her proactive approach to integrating AI education into her teaching practices, offering valuable insights into this debate.

Generative AI: The New Electricity?

Ilkem compares AI to transformative technologies like electricity and the internet, emphasizing that AI is a general-purpose technology that’s here to stay. She encourages her students to use AI as a learning aid, stressing the importance of ethical and responsible use. While she acknowledges concerns about AI potentially undermining skill development, her approach focuses on gradually introducing AI into classroom activities. This allows students to experiment and understand its limitations and ethical challenges.

The Language Learning Challenge

Teaching English as a second language adds another layer of complexity to the AI debate. Ilkem talks about the importance of balancing language proficiency with technological assistance. She points out that automating work in language classes can pose significant risks to linguistic development. Ilkem emphasizes that maintaining an authentic voice and personal input in written assignments is crucial to ensure students continue to hone their language skills.

Finding and Preserving Student Voices

The conversation then shifts to what it means for students to find and maintain their unique voices in an AI-dominated era. Ilkem highlights the necessity of human feedback in the learning process, which plays a crucial role in helping students articulate their thoughts authentically. She is committed to providing personalized feedback and fostering a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to express themselves fully, resisting the temptation to rely entirely on AI for their academic work.

The Future of Education with AI

Contemplating AI’s role in education brings up larger concerns about the future of learning and the skills children need to develop. Angeline stresses the enduring importance of fundamental human skills like empathy, creativity, and adaptability, which AI cannot replicate. While technology may change the type of information we prioritize memorizing, our intrinsic human qualities remain irreplaceable and must be preserved.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the key takeaway is the balanced integration of AI into education. Students are encouraged to view AI not as a crutch but as one of many tools available to assist them, all while staying vigilant about the risk of losing their voices in the process. Tune into more episodes at digi/dominoes.com for ongoing conversations that navigate the intersection of technology and human development.

Thank you for listening, and a special thanks to ilkem for sharing her invaluable insights. We also extend our gratitude to Data Girl and Friends for sponsoring us. Their mission is to promote awareness and critical thinking about AI, digital safety, and citizenship. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!

About episode 2: AI for Schoolwork: Is Cheating Really the Main Issue?