1. What AI (and LLMs) is and how it operates

AI or Artificial Intelligence are computer programs that can perform tasks typically involving human intelligence, such as problem-solving, pattern recognition, or language understanding.  LLM’s, short for Large language models, such as ChatGPT, Bard, or Claude, are models of AI. These are trained on gigantic texts from books, articles, and the internet. Using a method called machine learning, the model can learn to recognize patterns in words and predict what word, phrase, or answer should be spoken next in a conversation (IBM, OpenAI).

The reasons why AI assistants are developing at such a fast pace are:

• organizations are teaching them on increasingly large sets of data.
• computers get stronger and faster.
• millions of user’s feedbacks make them more accurate.

 

2. Challenges with the use of AI in education

• Plagiarism and academic dishonesty – Students would employ AI to complete essays, homework, or even exam answers without actually studying the content, undermining equity (BBC).
• Bias and misinformation – AI sometimes “hallucinates” or invents facts. It can also replicate prejudice that exists within its data set, potentially spreading misinformation or unfair information (BBC).
• Excessive Dependence on technology– If students rely too much on AI tools, they may fail to properly develop critical thinking, problem-solving, or writing skills (UNESCO).

 

3. Ethical use of AI in education

• Research assistance – Students can use AI to come up with ideas, summarize research papers, or access explanations of difficult concepts, as long as they reference or acknowledge use of AI (Harvard Library).
• Skill development – AI may be used as a tutor to rehearse writing, coding, or problem-solving by giving feedback rather than doing work for itself (Stanford HAI).
• Accessibility – AI can aid differently-abled students with text-to-speech, translation, or adaptive learning software to increase accessibility in education (World Economic Forum)