The rapid rise of artificial intelligence poses many challenges for educators. A recent report from the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) examines how teachers are balancing the promise of AI with academic integrity concerns in K-12 schools. .
Jin Lei
Jing Lei is a professor in the Syracuse University School of Education, focusing on technology integration in schools. She answers some questions about how teachers and school districts can productively address these concerns and leverage her AI as a learning tool.
Q: According to a CDT survey, 52% of teachers said generative AI made them distrust that students actually did the work themselves. Also, 68% reported that they regularly use AI content detection tools. How reliable are those tools?
answer: AI detection tools give you a “probability” that a work was created by AI, but even 99% does not mean it was definitely created by AI. The reliability of AI detection tools varies widely based on many factors, including the algorithms and technology used and how the tools are trained. It also suffers from bias, stereotypes, and a lack of understanding of context. AI detectors should not be used as the sole source of information to determine whether a work was generated by AI. The best tool for teachers to spot potential violations of academic integrity is their understanding of their students. A teacher who knows her students well enough doesn't need her AI detection tools to tell if something is wrong. That understanding and human connection cannot be replaced by any technology.
The best tool for teachers to spot potential violations of academic integrity is their understanding of their students.
Jin Lei
Q: How does this level of distrust and uncertainty affect students?
answer: This level of mistrust and uncertainty is detrimental to everyone involved. Teachers' confidence and passion for teaching decreases, students' enthusiasm and desire to learn decreases, and one of the most important elements of a healthy education, the teacher-student relationship, is undermined. Masu. and a productive learning environment. In particular, 'false positive' accusations of plagiarism can have a devastating impact on students and can have long-lasting negative effects on their educational aspirations.
Q: Only 28% of teachers said they received guidance on what to do if they suspect the use of AI. What should district leaders consider when setting policy?
answer: School districts must help teachers develop a healthy and evolving understanding of AI technology. In other words, what is AI? What AI tools and resources are available? What can AI tools do? What are the current limitations? What are the risks? , how and why learning how to use AI tools meaningfully is important not only for students but also for themselves. To advance this understanding, districts must provide learning opportunities, resources, and ongoing support for teachers to learn, explore, and experiment with their AI tools in the classroom. District-level policy decisions involve key stakeholders such as teachers, students, administrators, and parents, consider multiple perspectives, set fair and comprehensive guidelines, and incorporate contextual factors and evolving AI. We need to leave room for flexibility based on the nature of the technology.
Q: How should teachers approach the responsible use of AI in the classroom? There are lessons to help students learn how to use technology productively while avoiding these academic integrity concerns. mosquito?
answer: There are many ways teachers can use AI technology productively with their students. For example, learn what AI technology can and cannot do, discuss the limits of AI technology and the importance of human oversight, and clearly define what AI plagiarism is and what is acceptable use of AI. You can work together to help students develop critical thinking. Critically analyze AI-generated content to identify errors and biases, encourage students to use her AI for personalized learning, and learn how AI is used in different work environments. Investigate what is being done. Through activities like this, teachers can help students navigate how to use AI productively. Developing AI technology and digital citizenship with academic integrity.
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Chris Munoz
media relations specialist
Communication department
cjmunoz@syr.edu
