In an era marked by technological advances and innovations, education is adapting to the digital wave within classrooms. The integration of online learning within schools is reshaping the way the world learns, for better or for worse. While, yes, the invention of Google Classroom has proven to be a commendable tool, sites like ChatGPT have sparked controversy in school environments. When prompted by students, ChatGPT has the ability to spit out an entire assignment’s worth of work within seconds, but at what cost? And how is The International Baccalaureate Programme managing this on an international scale and within North Atlanta?
The IB program is one that encourages students to take education into their own hands, and produce knowledge that is valuable to them and the world around them. That said, artificial intelligence poses a possible threat to this aim. With the ability to create answers that resemble a student’s, ChatGPT must be dealt with accordingly to avoid plagiarism. There is no doubt surrounding the fact that artificial intelligence has begun to become integrated into society, school being no exception. The IB acknowledges the presence of ChatGPT, and has implemented a rule that allows for the use of it similarly to regular citations. However, any and all uncited use of ChatGPT will be marked as plagiarism per the IB. “The IB will not ban the use of AI software. The simplest reason is that it is an ineffective way to deal with innovation,” they said. “However, the use of AI tools should be in line with the IB’s academic integrity policy.”
Students within the IB program have thoughts on this matter as well, as it impacts the day-to-day operations of educational institutions. ChatGPT offers answers on a silver platter, something that many students find helpful, especially in the world of the IB workload. Students appreciate the convenience and efficiency of using ChatGPT to clarify doubts and enhance their understanding of various subjects, making school tasks more approachable and enjoyable. Junior Sophia Rose said,”I think ChatGPT is an important and valuable tool in our world today, so I am in full support of the policy.”
While ChatGPT has proven its usefulness, concerns are growing about its potential negative impact on education. There is a growing worry that overreliance on these technologies may harm the overall educational process. Critics argue that the use of AI might lead to a depersonalization of education, as it may replace human interaction and personalized teaching methods. “I think it is convenient, but the fact that it is right at our fingertips can be harmful for sure,” said Junior Carolyn Jahn.
The debates over the integration of ChatGPT in schools is an issue divided, with support on both sides. Some students may be in support, while some view it as a tool that enables laziness. In IB, at least, it will be integrated into the daily lives of students.
