The arrival of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in the educational world raises many questions around academic integrity. Teachers are on the front lines of this revolution. But a large proportion of them feel overwhelmed by the intrusion of this technology into classrooms.
In detail, 49% of teachers do not consider themselves sufficiently prepared for the educational potential of AI, as revealed by a survey conducted by Oxford University Press among 1,280 teachers working in several countries, including the United Kingdom. If educational staff deplore a lack of training, they are aware of the fact that students are using generative artificial intelligence for academic purposes. Thus, 54% of teachers surveyed suspect their students of using this software to do their homework.
This unsupervised employment divides educators. Some fear that young people will rely on artificial intelligence in their daily school lives, which could lead to a reduction in critical thinking and the acquisition of knowledge; while others see it as a valuable learning tool.
According to the Oxford University Press survey, the second camp seems to prevail since more than 70% of respondents are optimistic about the impact of AI in education. “If used correctly, this technology can only have a positive impact on student learning, by creating individualized lessons for all types of learners, not a one-size-fits-all methodology,” he said. an English professor teaching in Italy to the authors of the report.
Prepare for an “AI-esque” future
However, this integration requires careful consideration. We must teach children and adolescents to use generative AI properly, making them aware that it is just an additional source of knowledge, and not a miracle solution for getting good grades. Furthermore, it is essential to encourage teachers to confront this technology in their teaching practice so that they can better guide their students in an “AI-esque” world.
Because everything suggests that young generations will, in the future, be led to use artificial intelligence in their daily lives, and not just in academic life. Many specialists believe that this technology will revolutionize the world of work, making certain professions obsolete where all tasks can be automated. It is essential to prepare tomorrow’s workers for this development before they enter the job market. But, for the moment, teachers believe that this is not the case. Those surveyed by Oxford University Press give current curricula and teaching methods a five out of ten when it comes to how they approach AI.
This is why Nigel Portwood, managing director of Oxford University Press, is campaigning for a reform of education systems, so that they rely more on artificial intelligence. “Our study shows that teachers and students are optimistic about the role of AI in education and recognize that it has the potential to have a positive impact on learning. However, many questions remain unanswered and potential risks are associated with this cutting-edge technology. As more people begin to adopt and experiment with AI, governments and education leaders must take action – and quickly – to equip the students and teachers with the skills they need so they can thrive in an AI-driven future,” he explained in a statement.
