Since November 30, 2022, ChatGPT has taken every aspect of our lives by storm. Whether it’s school, work, creative endeavors, or otherwise, ChatGPT has become an essential tool for hundreds of millions of people around the globe. And with its ever-growing influence, Westborough couldn’t have been spared. In this article, we’ll explore the impact it has had on our town and the students and teachers within it.
Surveying the School Community
To better understand ChatGPT’s influence, the Gibbons Gazette conducted a school-wide survey, inviting both students and faculty to participate. We received an astounding 536 responses, providing valuable insights into how AI tools are perceived and used in our school community.
So, Let’s have a look at some graphs that show what we discovered.
Unsurprisingly, ChatGPT was the most recognized AI tool, with 88.2% of respondents stating they had heard of or used it. Other similar AI tools, such as image generators (like DALL·E and MidJourney), had a 26.5% recognition rate, while Google Bard was known by only 4.1% of respondents. Interestingly, 5.8% of people said they hadn’t heard of or used any AI tools at all.
When it comes to usage frequency, a majority of students and faculty are not using AI on a daily basis. Only 6% of respondents reported using AI daily, while 20.7% use it weekly. The most common response, making up 60.6%, was “rarely,” with 12.7% saying they never use AI tools.
AI’s Role in Everyday Life
When asked where AI is most useful, 34.9% of respondents identified education as the most significant area. Other popular responses included entertainment (23.9%) and business/industry (18.7%). Smaller groups noted AI’s relevance in communication, healthcare, and brainstorming for projects.
Students vs. Teachers: Who’s Using AI?
A striking 97% of survey respondents identified as students, with only 3% being teachers. This overwhelming student representation means that most responses reflect the younger generation’s attitudes toward AI. Thus, the responses in the survey can be understood and taken into consideration, particularly in an academic setting, as such.
The Ethics of AI in Schoolwork
One of the most controversial aspects of AI in education is whether using ChatGPT for schoolwork without a teacher’s knowledge is ethical. Responses were mixed, as seen here:
- 49.8% said it depends on how AI is used, showing that students see a difference between responsible and unethical use
- 43.3% felt it was dishonest and unfair
- A small 6% saw AI as just another tool, equating it to using a calculator or spell-checker
- 1.9% of respondents were unsure
Concerns About AI’s Impact
We also asked students and faculty how they feel about ChatGPT potentially replacing human creativity and critical thinking in writing and problem-solving. The responses showed a balanced mix of concern and optimism:
- 42% believe AI could weaken important skills
- 37.1% see it as neutral, depending on how it’s used
- 14.6% hadn’t thought about it before
- 6.3% think AI enhances human abilities rather than replacing them
Final Thoughts
AI, particularly ChatGPT, has undeniably made its mark on our school. While it offers many benefits, from aiding research to enhancing creativity, concerns about ethical use and dependency remain strong. With students leading the charge in AI adoption, schools and educators face the challenge of balancing innovation with responsible usage.
As technology continues to evolve, one thing is certain: AI is here to stay. The question now is not whether we should use it but how we can harness its power responsibly.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in the survey and contributed to this discussion! What do you think? Should AI be embraced fully, or should there be more guidelines? Let us know your thoughts!
