The Challenges of Teaching in the Age of AI

As a college Earth science instructor, I've found teaching increasingly disheartening due to the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT. While teaching asynchronous online courses was already challenging, the advent of AI has transformed my role into that of a detective, trying to discern genuine student work from AI-generated content. A College Board survey revealed that 84% of high school students have used AI for schoolwork, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.

Cheating has evolved from simple acts like copying from Wikipedia to sophisticated uses of AI, making it difficult to determine the authenticity of student submissions. This shift has not only consumed a significant portion of my time but also left me questioning the integrity of even my most engaged students. The real losers in this scenario are the students, who miss out on the learning process when they rely on AI to do their work.

Students often misunderstand the purpose of education, viewing it as a quest for the right answers rather than a journey of learning. Using AI to complete assignments is akin to using a forklift in a weight room—tasks are completed, but no real progress is made. The friction and effort involved in learning are crucial, and without them, students gain little.

Assignments that require critical thinking, such as designing experiments or applying concepts creatively, are undermined by AI. Before AI, about one-third of students could independently connect ideas in my courses. Now, with AI's help, over half succeed, but this success is hollow as it bypasses genuine understanding.

The challenge is whether to maintain assignments that foster learning, knowing some students will cheat, or to eliminate them altogether. Many instructors are reverting to traditional evaluation methods like oral exams, but these aren't feasible for online classes, which are vital for many students.

The pressure to adapt to AI is immense, with administrators pushing for its integration into education. However, the suggested uses, like critiquing AI-generated essays, often contradict the goal of teaching students not to rely on AI. The impact of AI extends beyond the classroom, affecting students' learning habits throughout the day.

Despite claims of AI revolutionizing education, it often feels like a hindrance, making it difficult to teach effectively. Instructors are left feeling unsupported, as the focus shifts to AI tools rather than addressing the core issues. Students may use AI for workload management, but they recognize the need to truly learn in their major courses.

While the future of AI in education remains uncertain, its current role is more of an obstacle than a benefit, complicating the teaching process and diminishing the value of traditional learning methods.