Jessica Yoganand initially refrained from using ChatGPT upon its launch in 2022. However, after hearing increased chatter about it last year, the University of Regina French education student became intrigued and decided to give it a shot. Exploring the capabilities of the generative artificial intelligence chatbot has been enlightening for her.
Yoganand expressed concerns about the potential implications of relying solely on AI for academic tasks, particularly as she embarks on her journey toward becoming an educator. She empathizes with the dilemmas her future professors may encounter when distinguishing between authentic student work and content generated by AI.
During the University of Regina’s welcome week, CBC Saskatchewan’s The Morning Edition engaged students in discussions about the influence of AI on education and future career paths. Opinions varied among students, with some professors advocating against AI integration in classrooms, while others endorse its use as a tool for sparking creativity rather than replacing critical thinking.
Kasey Lillejord, an international studies student, shared her contrasting experiences under two teachers—one prohibiting AI use and the other permitting its use to inspire student projects. Lillejord found that the ban on AI led her to engage more deeply with her coursework, fostering personal growth and critical thinking skills, unlike when relying on technology to complete tasks.
Arts student Payton Todd expressed apprehension towards AI’s role in academia, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in fields like English. Todd believes that AI diminishes the essence of human expression and detracts from the individual’s ability to create meaningful work.
In contrast, Parth Patel, a software system engineering student, embraces the potential of AI in shaping the future workforce. Patel is developing a chatbot named Ask Ian for his startup, emphasizing a friendly and casual interaction style. He believes that AI, when approached with the right mindset, can enhance productivity and efficiency.
Student perspectives on AI usage are diverse, mirroring the varying stances among their professors. While some students view AI as a beneficial tool for simplifying tasks such as scheduling and note-taking, others, like Natalisha Zakreski, stress the importance of using AI responsibly. Zakreski, aspiring to be an early childhood educator, sees her role in guiding young learners through the digital age as crucial in instilling values of human intellect and creativity.
As the younger generation grows up in a world shaped by AI, Zakreski emphasizes the significance of nurturing human qualities that surpass machine-generated concepts. She believes in leveraging AI as a supportive tool rather than allowing it to overshadow human capabilities.
The diverse viewpoints among students reflect the ongoing debate on AI’s role in education and society. As technology continues to advance, individuals like Zakreski strive to uphold the essence of human intelligence and guide future generations towards a balanced integration of AI in their lives.
