The title above was written by the ChatGPT AI program

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Marks ‘23 said. “It needs human beings to tell it what is acceptable communication or what is prohibited for communication so even though we use technology, the imprint of humanity is always going to be there.”

This concept has played out in numerous AI systems where human biases have been implanted into artificial intelligence, furthering prejudices and creating discriminatory technology. For example, AI often produces over sexualized images of Asian women, due to the high frequency of the fetishization of Asian women on the internet, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Sample connected to the issue of academic integrity.

“Some people will make the argument that ChatGPT is a calculator 20 years ago, and will eventually almost be required to use in your classes,” Dr. Sample said. “I think the difference is that calculators actually give you factual, like indisputable, factual information and ChatGPT doesn’t – it’s just wrong. And it might improve, but I think it’ll always there always be this domain of human activity and human knowledge that it just is out of date on or just messes up on.”

Annabelle Ross ‘24, president of the Honor Council, provided insight into how AI and ChatGPT will impact the honor code at Davidson.

“We defer all of our decisions and how we process requests and cases from the individual professors,” Ross said. “Professors through their syllabi make specific rules about whether you are allowed to collaborate with students on this project or this test, and so it differs by department or by teacher or by class. We haven’t had any conversations about Chat GPT because different professors use it in different ways.”

ChatGPT and its role in higher education is ever evolving.

“There are so many pros and cons, but one thing that we have to recognize is that it’s not going away,” said Dr. Sample.

CONTINUED FROM RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE 1 using it, I realized how much it could enhance my learning experience. It’s not about getting the right answer; it’s about engaging with the material in a more meaningful way.”

One of the ways that Chat GPT has been used in the classroom is through chatbots. These interactive programs can simulate conversations with students, helping them to learn and engage with course material in a more natural and intuitive way. According to Sample, chatbots have become a valuable tool for educators looking to create personalized learning experiences. “Chatbots allow us to tailor our teaching to each student’s individual needs,” says Sample. “It’s a way to scale education and make it more accessible to everyone.”

But with the benefits of AI in education come challenges as well. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for bias and ethical concerns. As Sample explains, “AI is only as unbiased as the data it is trained on. If the data is biased, then the AI will be biased as well.”

Ross echoes this sentiment, noting that ethical considerations are crucial when incorporating AI into education. “We need to ensure that AI is being used ethically and responsibly,” says Ross. “We need to be transparent about how it’s being used and what data it’s collecting.”

Despite these challenges, Chat GPT is poised to become an increasingly important part of the liberal arts experience. As Esquivel notes, “The liberal arts are all about exploring the human experience, and AI is just another tool that we can use to do that. It’s not a replacement for human interaction and critical thinking; it’s a supplement to it.”

In many ways, Chat GPT represents a new frontier in education, one that promises to transform the way we teach and learn. As Sample puts it, “The possibilities are endless. It’s an exciting time to be involved in education.