phenomenon:
- a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable
- something that is impressive or extraordinary.
- a remarkable or exceptional person; prodigy; wonder.
from dictionary.com
I have recently found myself immersed in the fascinating realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Whether we consider it a phenomenon or not, AI undeniably qualifies as an observable occurrence. Its impressive capabilities, extraordinary nature, and remarkable qualities make it stand out, almost like a person. Well, not literally a person, but in spite of being a computer, robot, or programmed mechanical device, AI possesses human-like capacities. While I’m far from being an AI expert, I am aware of the vast potential that lies within this field. In fact, I have even incorporated AI into my writing, as demonstrated in my last blog post “The Final Buzzer” from June 2023, which was generated using ChatGPT. I simply asked the AI generator to write a blog comparing the end of the school year with an NBA game and season, and it delivered a masterpiece. Well, sort of.
I must clarify that although I utilized AI for this and other writing endeavors, it acted as a revising and editing engine rather than relying solely on the generated content. After each paragraph, I requested ChatGPT to revise it, and I then made minor adjustments to ensure the final result aligned with my vision. Essentially, I employed AI as an advanced editing tool to enhance my own writing.
As a middle school English teacher, I have my reservations about the validity of AI’s capabilities. It seems like cheating when a student uses AI to compose an entire paper. This issue has sparked debates across the country, with some arguing that students are engaged in critical work by effectively communicating their requirements to the AI, while others contend that they are essentially avoiding any real effort altogether.
The purpose of this month’s blog is not to definitively determine whether platforms like ChatGPT are beneficial or detrimental to our world. However, I believe there are positive and negative aspects to consider. The reality is that these platforms exist, and individuals, corporations, schools, churches, and all entities must decide how they will engage with them. Artificial Intelligence, a term that essentially translates to “Fake Intelligence,” raises an interesting question. Although the term may imply artificiality, there is nothing fake about the intelligence generated by these powerful platforms.
My journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence has been nothing short of captivating. AI’s remarkable abilities and the potential it holds have left me in awe. It’s like Google on steroids. Not only does AI have writing capabilities, but it also can actively generate art and solve mathematical problems. While I acknowledge the concerns surrounding its use in academic settings, I have discovered value in using AI as an editing tool to refine my writing. As the presence of AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, it is vital for us to weigh its merits and drawbacks and make informed decisions about our involvement with these platforms. After all, the intelligence they generate is very much real and impactful.