Using ChatGPT in the Classroom Requires an Honest Discussion

Professors are aware of the growing temptation to use ChatGPT to complete homework assignments, so they will be on the lookout. But because detection tools are not reliable, a growing consensus regarding how to maintain academic honesty in the classroom is for each professor to have an open discussion with students early in the semester about how and if the use of ChatGPT and other forms of AI are acceptable in the classroom. 

If your professor does not raise the issue, students may want to introduce it into a class discussion themselves. This way there can be a shared clear understanding as the semester moves forward, reducing the possibility of conflicts over submitted work later in the semester.

ChatGPT and Cheating

While most college students do not enter the institution with the intention of cheating and do not necessarily set out to cheat, proper guardrails and guidance provided by professors about ChatGPT is needed. Therefore, it’s important to establish expectations early in the semester with your professor.

ChatGPT and Your Education

It's also important to recognize that using ChatGPT in irresponsible ways wastes your tuition dollars. Assignments in college classes strive to teach important lifelong skills - in particular, effective critical thinking skills. This requires the reading and then the communication - generally through writing - of material. Once in the workplace, critical thinking skills are essential.

Relying on artificial intelligence - particularly inaccurate and copyright infringed artificial intelligence often provided by ChatGPT- will shortchange a student's academic experience. It can also pose real harm in the workplace once employed. What might appear expedient in the short-term will have long-term consequences.

View the short video below for a look at how using AI to complete your homework shortchanges your personal growth.