UC Merced Magazine | Volume XX, Issue VI

AI Could be a Useful Tool in Classrooms and Across Campus

By Sam Yniguez Arti cial intelligence use is booming. Generative AI, including programs such as ChatGPT, are everywhere, including in classrooms. While some industries quickly adapted to this shi , the education sector’s initial response to this phenomenon was tepid, said environmental science Professor Sylvain Masclin, who facilitated a recent AI introductory workshop for students. Many unanswered questions linger, and there’s no real way to police its use, prompting some schools to ban ChatGPT. But that might have pushed students toward using it, Masclin posited. He believes that, contrary to popular belief, most students want to learn how to correctly use AI tools.

“Of course, cheating is a big worry, but cheating has always been around and, on the whole, it’s only a very small percentage of students who cheat,” said Masclin. “A new tool doesn't automatically mean that all of a sudden every student will start cheating.” Masclin said instructors are poised to educate students on best practices, and if AI plays any role in their elds, instructors should try to include it in their courses. In presentations to students and faculty, Masclin stresses AI is only one tool students should be able to access. “Imagine giving a hammer to someone who has never seen one before and asking them to build something,” said Masclin. “If you don’t teach them how to properly use it and when it's the appropriate time to use it, the consequences will be bad.”

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