Starting around the fall of 2022, AI technology made a huge breakthrough with the mainstream adoption of ChatGPT, an online AI research platform. At first, the public was fascinated with the tool’s seemingly unlimited abilities. However, AI’s capabilities soon raised school concerns about students who could abuse its writing power. It has been an ongoing debate for the past two years, and the discussion has now brought itself to Flint Hill School. Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Flint Hill has blocked all AI tools on the students’ computers. How do our students and faculty feel about this? In a world that’s evolving with AI technology, does it make sense to resist? I’ve conducted several interviews with students and faculty to gage an understanding of their opinion, and here is what they have to say:
“I used to use ChaptGPT to help me understand concepts that the textbook didn’t explain clearly” – Tomas Dasek 25’
“When it comes down to students completing their work, I would rather it not be there because students have shown in the past that they cannot help themselves to the power of AI. It prohibits students from creating their work and using their minds” – Upper School Math Teacher Elizabeth Vanlieshout.
“I understand why they got rid of it for plagiarism issues, but it was helpful sometimes when you needed a deeper understanding or summaries” – Natalie Panizo 25’
Students, including myself, have used this tool to improve our academic learning in ways that do not compromise our ability to learn or the authenticity of our work. However, many students know how easy it is to abuse the powers of ChatGPT and, therefore, understand the issue’s complexity. However, teachers feel that allowing young high schoolers to use AI freely is detrimental to their academic success. They feel that students will be too tempted to abuse their power and, therefore, will damage their learning experience.
Both students and teachers have varying opinions on Flint Hill’s AI blockage. It’s a complex issue that requires consideration from both sides of the debate. On the one hand, AI is a powerful tool that can benefit students and teachers, enriching their knowledge and augmenting their success. On the other hand, AI has been abused in the past, and students are using it to write their essays and complete their homework. I can understand both sides of the argument. From my experience, ChatGPT, along with other AI tools, are the future and essential for integrating into our school community healthily. I understand; however, the concern is from an academic authenticity point of view. Maybe the future holds a platform that can satisfy the best of both worlds.
