As AI grows into a tool for everyone, not just scientists, it presents some questions: “Can AI be used ethically?” “What is the point of learning simple subjects if AI can do it for me?” Now, it’s important for us to understand both perspectives on AI from both students and teachers from Timberline.
In order to understand both sides, we asked students what they use it for. We found that Artificial Intelligence can be used by students and teachers alike to help with rough drafts, loose outlines, revising grammar, and aiding in language comprehension.
We interviewed AP Environmental Science teacher, Mr. Barnes, who raised a good comparison between the creation of Generative AI and the invention of the Calculator. “Calculators were invented and everybody uses them because they’re useful. AI is the same, so it’s not like we’re going to go back to a day when we’re not using AI,” said Smith.
That being said, AI tends to reference papers and pieces of work and research documented by other living people. But in the process of this “referencing,” it successfully plagiarizes an artists’ hard work without citing them. “…then always credit AI as a source. By doing this, you are ensuring that everyone is on the same page and no ethical boundaries have been crossed.” Also states Mrs Jones, and English 11 teacher, emphasising the importance of continuity. We asked students what exactly they use AI for, and we ended up hearing a variety of answers, ranging from schoolwork, help writing emails, explaining complex topics, and, for some, “aiding them throughout class assessments” according to several students.
