ChatGPT and the Role of the Student

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to play a larger role in education to enhance and support academia. Although AI can take on many forms, ChatGPT is a versatile tool for students.

What is ChatGPT and how can you use it?

ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that utilizes users’ prompts to provide detailed responses. With its natural conversational style, ChatGPT can be used to create outlines, social media posts, code and draft emails. Although it can be utilized on a larger scale, such as providing completed projects, ChatGPT can also help you with basic tasks like brainstorming ideas, breaking down concepts into digestible parts or developing outlines.

The Role of the Student in the Digital Age

Herzing University is committed to fostering a dynamic and responsible environment that embraces the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The university recognizes the growing significance of AI in various academic disciplines and strives to ensure that AI is used ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with our academic mission and values.

Although the original assumption was that ChatGPT would be used to minimize work, the modern student must be more than just a passive user. With access to tools like ChatGPT, students are empowered to take on their education in new ways.

1. Take Ownership of Their Learning: ChatGPT enables students to delve deeper into subjects, encouraging self-directed exploration. Whether clarifying a tricky math problem or generating study questions, AI supports proactive learning. Proper attribution of AI models, datasets, algorithms and software libraries used in academic work is essential to maintain academic integrity and to acknowledge the contribution of others.
2. Collaborate and Communicate: As a supplementary tool, students can enhance collaboration in group projects. Need to draft an outline for a group presentation? ChatGPT can help create a starting point that everyone can build upon.
3. Refine Critical Thinking Skills: By engaging with ChatGPT, students learn to ask better questions. In order to effectively use ChatGPT, students must also be able to evaluate the information presented in a critical manner.

Practical Applications for Students

ChatGPT has become an invaluable asset in academia. It’s as though you have constant access to a study buddy or lab partner. Here are some specific ways students can integrate ChatGPT into their academic lives:

• Writing Assistance: From drafting essays to refining resumes, ChatGPT can provide grammar checks and suggestions to improve clarity and tone.
• Research Support: While not a replacement for primary sources, ChatGPT can suggest topics, outline arguments and identify key themes to kickstart research projects. The university emphasizes the importance of protecting privacy and maintaining data security when utilizing AI for research, completing assignments and other coursework, and taking quizzes and examinations. Students and researchers must adhere to all relevant privacy laws and data protection standards.
• Time Management: Use ChatGPT to draft schedules, prioritize tasks, or even set up study plans for exams.
• Study Aid: Create flashcards, summarize lengthy readings, or understand challenging concepts through tailored explanations. Herzing University offers resources and educational opportunities for students and faculty to develop an understanding of AI principles, ethics, and best practices. Students are encouraged to explore AI-related topics through academic programs, workshops, and seminars.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the benefits of ChatGPT are numerous, students must also navigate potential pitfalls. As students continue to engage with ChatGPT, they have a responsibility to utilize the software in an ethical manner.

You should never use ChatGPT to complete assignments in their entirety. Taking AI-generated content in its entirety and passing it off as your own is both unethical and cheating. While students are encouraged to use ChatGPT as a tool for brainstorming, outlines, and as a starting point for their work, one should never simply copy and paste content from ChatGPT. AI is a tool, not a crutch. Plagiarism, cheating, and any form of academic dishonesty involving AI tools or content are strictly prohibited. All elements of the Student Code of Conduct apply to the use of AI. Balancing its use with independent thought and effort is key.

ChatGPT’s responses are based on patterns in data, which means they’re not infallible. Verifying information with credible sources remains critical. Be careful to not solely rely on ChatGPT to verify information. ChatGPT has limited knowledge of the state of the global population and events after 2021, which may produce occasionally incorrect information or biased content.

Reporting and Compliance

Herzing University encourages the reporting of any suspected violations of AI policy or academic integrity related to AI use by employing the standard procedure of the use of Ethics Point accessible at http://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/44119/index.html. Reports may be made anonymously, and the university is committed to protecting the privacy of those who report violations.

All students, faculty and staff are expected to comply with university policies, guidelines, and legal regulations related to AI, including intellectual property rights and ethical considerations. Students who inappropriately use AI to complete assignments, other coursework, or for purposes of taking quizzes or exams will be subject to standard university sanctions as outlined in the catalog.

Violations of the AI policy or academic integrity policy involving inappropriate AI use may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the university catalog, which can include failing assignments, exams, courses, and withdrawal from the university as determined by the severity and frequency of the violation.

The Future of AI in Education

As AI continues to evolve, its integration into education will likely expand. ChatGPT is more than just AI; it’s a gateway to a new era of learning. For students willing to explore its potential thoughtfully and responsibly, it can be a transformative companion in their academic journey. By blending technology with traditional learning approaches, the modern student is poised to thrive in a world that values innovation and adaptability.