Many students in an Ethics and Technology course at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently raised eyebrows by using AI to complete a seemingly simple task: introducing themselves. In this recent incident, a teacher caught students using ChatGPT to complete a basic introductory assignment. Megan Fritts, the course’s assistant professor of philosophy, had assigned students to “briefly introduce yourself and say what you’re hoping to get out of this class.” Despite the assignment’s ease, numerous students used ChatGPT to complete it.
“They all admitted to it,” Fritts shared, expressing surprise that even a basic assignment was outsourced to AI tools. She discussed her thoughts in a viral tweet, which has gained over 3.5 million views, igniting a debate about AI’s role in education.
AI Responses Lack Personal Touch
The Ethics and Technology course saw a teacher caught students using ChatGPT to submit AI-generated responses. Fritts emphasized that the assignment had a purpose beyond merely introducing students. It was meant to help them navigate the online discussion board and allow the professor to understand their expectations of the course. Many students are unfamiliar with philosophy, especially if it is not their major. The introductory task, therefore, gave her insight into their views.
However, the AI-generated responses lacked the individuality Fritts was hoping for. Instead of personal thoughts, the answers provided general descriptions of a technology ethics class, a red flag for AI usage. “Reading numerous AI-generated essays makes it easy to spot,” Fritts noted.
Is ChatGPT Like a Calculator for Writing?
Many who responded to Fritts’ post compared using ChatGPT to using a calculator in math, but Fritts disagreed. In humanities, the goal is not merely solving problems, she argued, but developing deeper thinking. She believes AI tools bypass this critical process, undermining the goal of shaping students’ minds.
“Calculators speed up math operations that lead to a correct answer. However, humanities are about broadening thinking,” Fritts pointed out, adding that AI deprives students of opportunities to engage deeply with philosophical ideas.
Students Notice Diminishing Focus
Fritts also expressed concern about students’ overall engagement with learning. She shared that many students had admitted their attention spans were declining due to constant exposure to technology, such as TikTok and YouTube.
This observation aligns with a 2015 paper by Charles Harvey, chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Central Arkansas. Harvey’s research highlighted that people often skim online texts rather than reading thoroughly, leading to fragmented thoughts.
“The next generations will grow up with this technology. This shift in human agency and focus is likely to bring foundational changes, and not all of them will be positive,” Fritts stated.
Educators Tired of AI Struggles
In a viral tweet, a teacher caught students using ChatGPT and shared her thoughts on the rise of AI in education. Fritts acknowledged that teachers have a responsibility to guide students on how to use AI constructively. However, she believes it is unrealistic to expect educators alone to handle the rising tide of AI use. “Students aren’t just excited about new technology — they’re looking for easier ways to complete assignments,” she commented.
She expressed skepticism about any united effort to keep AI out of classrooms, noting that many universities are already encouraging its incorporation into curricula. More than 22 state departments of education have issued guidelines for AI use in schools, and a survey by EdWeek Research Center found that over half of the educators expect AI use to increase.
While some educators, like Curby Alexander from Texas Christian University, see potential in using AI for brainstorming and case studies, others are wary. Arizona State University has even partnered with OpenAI to provide access to ChatGPT for students and staff. Despite this, many professors remain cautious, with some reverting to pen-and-paper assignments to prevent AI use.
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