Hats off to the Slippery Rock Area School District educators and officials who are taking proactive steps to deal with the use of artificial intelligence by the district’s students.

Artificial intelligence has become the new buzz word of the moment. There are many misconceptions about the current state of artificial intelligence and about what it can and cannot do.

At the most basic level, artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by humans.

What concerns the school district is the prospect of students using artificial intelligence and claiming AI-generated work to be their own.

Apps such as ChatGPT, a chatbot that can produce written content, such as essays and social media posts, has divided students and educators alike as to the benefits and harms of their use.

Currently, the district’s only policy on AI is that students cannot claim AI-generated work as their own. The district considers this cheating.

But there are some who believe a broader look at AI is needed.

In fact, according to high school principal Corey Hake, while educators have been combating AI use in classrooms, the district should figure out how to embrace the use of AI while folding it into the district’s mandate to educate.

Complicating matters is the fact the educators say the students themselves are divided on the use of AI, with some students saying it is an easy way for them to organize their thoughts and others considering it cheating.

The danger is students using AI apps that will allow them to create AI “slop” to complete their assignments without actually learning anything.

Superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said the district is considering a professional development day over the summer for staff to learn more about AI implementation in their classrooms.

AI may only be entering the county’s schools now, but as the sophistication and availability of apps such as ChatGPT grow, it will mean it is important that educators get out in front of the issue.

— EF