As a principal in one of the private secondary schools in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, I have witnessed a very disturbing trend in which students rely heavily on generative AI machines like Chatgpt, Gemini and others to write their English essays from start to finish. It is undeniable that AI has the propensity to revolutionize our educational system, but the detrimental consequences of its abuse can be alarming.
The rate at which students have access to these generative AI machines, depend on them and use these machines to write English essays and other forms of academic papers poses momentous challenges. Considering the ease of use and availability of these machines, students may be tempted to bypass the onerous process of logical reasoning,conceptualization of ideas, and brainstorming, which is central to their ability to write creatively. Instead of relying on AI machines for completing their academic writing and bypassing some crucial stages of cognitive development, I believe students can apprehend and use these generative AI as "writer assistants”, while still grappling with the development of ideas, logically gathering and organizing ideas on the topic and creating exceptional writing.
I can assure you that if students rely too heavily on these AI machines, they will be exposed to a lot of academic risk. One such risk is that creativity and originality will be stifled. I must admit that these AI machines are very sophisticated, but they often generate text based on existing information and patterns devoid of nuance perspectives, and originality, lacking emotional insight, all of which are the defining feature of genuine human expression. Furthermore, the over-reliance of students on these sophisticated AI machines, can hamper the cultivation of innate skills that promotes critical thinking in them, as they lack analytic skills which are needed to formulate compelling arguments, to effectively synthesize ideas and to analyze information properly.
Furthermore, the widespread use of AI writing tools raises questions about academic integrity. Students may submit AI-generated text as their own work, jeopardizing the authenticity and integrity of the educational process. This not only undermines the educational system, but also stifles the development of critical academic skills like research, analysis, and critical thinking.
However, it is critical to recognize that AI can be a powerful educational tool when used responsibly. AI-powered platforms can personalize learning experiences, provide individualized feedback, and connect students to a wealth of information and resources. They can help teachers identify learning gaps and tailor instruction to specific student needs.
To navigate this complex landscape, educators must play an important role. We must emphasize the value of critical thinking, original thought, and academic integrity. We must encourage students to use AI tools responsibly, as learning tools rather than replacements for their own intellectual efforts.
This necessitates a comprehensive approach. We need to reconsider our assessment methods, shifting the emphasis from evaluating only the final product to evaluating the entire writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revision. We must promote a culture of intellectual honesty and ethical technology use. Furthermore, we must equip students with the knowledge and skills required to critically evaluate information and identify AI-generated text.
The integration of artificial intelligence will undoubtedly shape Nigeria's educational future. By accepting these challenges and proactively addressing the ethical and pedagogical implications of AI in education, we can ensure that technology is used to enable learning rather than to stifle intellectual growth and critical thinking.