The Rise of ChatGPT and Its Effects on Teaching and Academic Writing
In just one year, ChatGPT has made a profound impact on various domains, with higher education being one of the most affected. As a humanities professor, I have witnessed firsthand how ChatGPT has transformed student writing and learning. While the negative consequences, such as increased academic integrity violations, were anticipated, there are two additional changes that have subtly and profoundly altered the landscape of teaching and academic writing.
The Confounding Tensions Between Educator and Assessor Roles
Professors, like myself, play a dual role as educators and assessors. However, the rise of ChatGPT has introduced tensions between these roles, posing a threat to the fundamental task of education. With its ability to generate plausible academic writing, students now rely on ChatGPT for idea generation and content summaries, and some even blatantly copy its outputs. As a result, professors are grappling with ways to “ChatGPT-proof” their assignments, resorting to narrower and more complex essay constraints or alternative writing assignments. These changes, while necessary, are not ideal in terms of both course administration and education itself.
The Challenge of Holding Students Accountable
Plagiarism from ChatGPT presents a unique challenge in terms of accountability. Unlike other forms of plagiarism, it is virtually impossible to prove if a student has used ChatGPT. While detectors exist, they only provide statistical probabilities, and students can easily manipulate grammar and syntax to avoid detection. The only way to hold students accountable is through their confession, which many may choose to deny, especially when there are no tangible consequences. This creates an unfair system where only those who confess are held accountable, while others escape punishment.
Conclusion:
As ChatGPT continues to evolve and improve, its impact on higher education will only grow stronger. Professors are forced to adapt their assessment methods to combat the use of ChatGPT, even if it compromises student learning. Moreover, the challenge of holding students accountable for using ChatGPT poses a significant dilemma. As we reflect on these changes, it is crucial to consider the true nature and implications of ChatGPT’s influence on higher education. Failure to do so may hinder our ability to respond effectively. As we mark ChatGPT’s first birthday, we must brace ourselves for the future and the challenges it brings.
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