Professors React Differently to AI in Education
A professor at Grambling State University has taken a strong stance against the use of AI tools like ChatGPT by his students. Neil Hebert, a theater professor, stated that students caught using such technology would fail the assignment. He emphasized that their reliance on AI signals a lack of effort. “Whether you pass or fail, the pay is the same,” he remarked, highlighting that the choice to use AI reflects poorly on their commitment to their art.
Hebert further noted that if a student were to contest their grade through formal channels, they might end up failing the entire course. He expressed frustration that he had shifted from being a collaborative educator to feeling like a “plagiarism cop.” He lamented that he wanted to embody the supportive faculty member he once had.
However, not all educators share Hebert’s views. Daniel Silver, a sociology professor at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough College, acknowledged that AI has altered his teaching methods. He explained that it’s essential to rethink educational outcomes in light of this technology. Silver mentioned that he spends considerable time exploring creative ways to integrate technology into his lessons. When students misuse AI, he tries to engage with them directly by arranging in-person meetings.
Silver also shared his approach of giving students a zero for AI-generated work but offers them a chance to improve. He observed improvements in some cases, although not consistently. He underscored the importance of showing students AI-generated assignments to illustrate how they often lack individuality.
In contrast, Hebert expressed disappointment in how students’ submissions reflected a uniform style typical of AI outputs. He cited a striking similarity in word choices and ideas among the majority of 40 students’ papers. To counteract this, Hebert designs theater tasks that challenge AI capabilities, asserting that such assignments produce nonsensical results when fed into bots.
Despite his efforts, Hebert admitted that AI-induced dishonesty remains a problem, leaving him with concerns about the future of theater. He worries that if students cease to engage with the plays and texts, the artistic quality may diminish significantly. “Can you imagine an AI performing arts slop?” he pondered, questioning the implications of AI on the creative arts.
