As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in education, concerns about its risks and potential have arisen. Two BBC Young Reporters, Theo and Ben, surveyed their classmates and found that 31 out of 33 had used AI in their schoolwork, with 27 expressing the desire for it to be taught in schools. Many had utilized ChatGPT, an online tool that provides human-like answers to questions, to assist with their assignments. However, some admitted to using it for cheating and one individual stated that it had given incorrect information.
Jonathan Wharmby, a computer science teacher at Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School in Liverpool, also employs AI in class but notes that care must be taken as it can sometimes provide incorrect information. He asserts that using the technology during exams would be considered cheating. The UK government has created a consultation on AI in education and will release its results later in the year.
The potential for AI to deceive its user was illustrated in a challenge where the reporters attempted to distinguish between an essay produced solely by AI and one created by a mix of AI and human input. Although they thought they could identify the differences, neither was successful. The head of the chartered institute for IT, Julia Adamson, believes that while the technology can help with structuring and generating ideas, it is important not to become overly reliant on it and risk losing creativity and critical thinking.
Although some schools are already teaching AI, concerns have been raised about the lack of women in computing studies. While the Department for Education states that the GCSE course in computer science includes AI and is meant to encourage students to pursue tech jobs in the future, data shows that girls represent only one in five entries. Pearson Edexcel has launched an AI qualification to be studied in conjunction with A-levels
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