With the fast growth of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a potential for students at Keene State College to be academically dishonest.
Students would be able to use AI software, such as ChatGPT, to neglect any effort in performing work for classes. AI software has the potential to be good, but also shares the same probability of being used for dishonest purposes. Technology like ChatGPT can be used to make outlines for papers or resumes and can also be used to cite sources. The Equinox believes that since technology like this is evolving quickly, it should be regulated by the college.
This technology has a high likelihood of being abused to neglect responsibility on assignments. The Equinox thinks that using AI software should be used for small things, not to write major research papers for students.
Having software write entire papers and do whole projects for students is plagiarism — students are attempting to pass off work that is not their own. It does not matter if the student is not stealing work from another student or source, it is still academic dishonesty. Although Keene State’s Academic Dishonesty Policy does not explicitly mention AI software, using such resources could qualify; the policy states that “seeking and receiving unauthorized aid in quizzes or tests, in the writing of papers, or in the preparation of lab reports or other homework assignments,” which could result in sanctions against the student if caught. Could the use of AI software fall under this category? The Equinox leans towards yes.
Keene State should absolutely regulate the use of AI software. Students who abuse the technology to be lazy must be punished. It is for the student’s own good; abusing AI software would stop them from learning and would not benefit them in the long run.
However, since the software is so new to the academic sphere, there may not be much that can be done to regulate it right now. Professors, though, could be able to use counter technology to detect the use of AI. No matter how good AI technology gets, it will never be perfect. Human beings have limitations that technology will never be able to replicate perfectly. Therefore, professors — especially those who have been teaching for a long time — will likely be able to notice if students aren’t producing work in their own words. Other people will be able to pick up the subtle imperfections of humans that a robot will not be able to copy.
Regulations should be put in place because even though AI will never be perfect, it can still be good enough. If a student is able to get a hold of really convincing AI technology, they would be able to abuse it.
For the betterment of the student’s future, regulations for the use of this technology must be put in place. A society filled with people who do not know how to do anything for themselves but instead rely on technology to do everything for them is dystopic. The Equinox believes that actions must be taken in order to prevent a student from abusing such technology.
