Tread cautiously on AI use in education

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Recently, I had to discuss concerns with several of my students over the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to complete their English Language SBAs. In their defence, they gave an example at an educational session they attended that introduced/encouraged the use as a means of lessening their workload. At an academic conference earlier, a similar sentiment was echoed by the presenter. The Jamaica Observer published an article on April 4 that also supports this stance, based on the view of Dr Nadine Barrett Maitland. While recognising AI’s potential benefits, caution must be exercised in its promotion.

First, access to AI tools is contingent upon information and communication technology (ICT) availability. Simply put, there must be access to the Internet and reliable electronic devices. Therefore, before the conversations about AI implementation in education, we must address the lack of these resources across most of the schools in Jamaica. In the absence of this, we will only gain a wider digital divide and deeper issues with equity in the school system.

Second, the current issues of data privacy, equity, transparency, and accountability necessitate caution on how loudly we sing AI’s praises. Further, the cost and expertise needed to adequately address these issues are currently far beyond our capabilities.

Third, generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, may suffice the need for efficiency in the completion of students’ tasks, but they hinder the development of their creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Consequently, they are likely to become stagnant in their academic pursuit because of overreliance on these tools.

Therefore, we must temper the excitement associated with AI with careful consideration of access and affordability, fairness, and effective utilisation for maximum benefit. Thus, the discussion should begin with relative stakeholders from an economic and policymaking perspective, with an emphasis on students’ outcomes. We are currently not at the place for public endorsement.

PATRICIA CLARKE

Educator