As artificial intelligence (AI) tools and chatbots become part of our daily lives, many students and educators are learning that these can be useful in a variety of ways. However, media coverage sometimes suggests (unfairly) that students are only interested in using AI to do their work for them.
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Other AI-powered tools and applications can enhance traditional learning instead of providing unethical shortcuts to completing assignments. Here are some examples:
Google Scholar searches academic publications and books. Students can find credible sources for research papers with this app.
ClearMath Solutions is a group of AI tools that help students build their math skills and confidence.
Undetectable AI has a writing assistant that can help students brainstorm essay topics, overcome writer’s block and explore different writing styles.
If you’re a student who understands AI tool basics and wants to make sure you’re using them responsibly, here are some strategies and examples for you to review.
Identifying Ethical AI Tools in Education
Teachers and students alike have discovered that AI tools can be helpful with:
- Research and information gathering
- Brainstorming and idea generation
- Explanations of complex problems and situations
- Language translation
Now, we’ll look at some methods you can use to add AI to your study habits.
Uses of AI in Academics
AI can be an excellent starting point when it’s time to research topics for essays and term papers. Use it to:
- Generate lists of relevant topics or subtopics
- Find key terms for further investigation
- Locate summaries of complex subjects
After you’ve decided on a topic and made appropriate notes, it’s time to log out of AI and begin your own work.
If you complete an assignment and realize that you’ve incorporated some AI-generated content, your school’s AI rules may require you to remove it. If not, be sure to:
- Acknowledge the use of AI tools in your methodology or references;
- Treat AI-generated text like any other source – quote and cite it appropriately.
Here are additional guidelines that ensure you’re not missing out on learning opportunities.
Using AI to Enhance Your Own Ideas
Here’s an example of how AI can play a part in your work on an essay or thesis.
- Begin your work with your own main points, using AI if needed to help you define a counter-argument or expand on your original ideas. Always add your own analysis and conclusions—don’t rely on AI to supply these for you.
- Keep any AI-generated content separate from your own work, so you can evaluate it for accuracy and refine it according to your own thinking.
Now we’re going to look at how AI tools can assist with learning a new language.
AI Tools For Language Students
Students learning a new language often enroll in classes to help them improve their skills. However, they may struggle, especially when they don’t have opportunities to practice. This is when AI tools can be especially helpful.
AI tools such as Speechify can literally read to these students, assisting them with learning correct pronunciation. This can be uploaded to a cell phone for extended studying.
Another app, Readlang, provides translations and contextual vocabulary definitions. A series of introductory videos can be found on YouTube.
When practicing speaking a new language, AI apps like FLOW Speak helps learners by providing feedback on pronunciation, fluency and grammar.
We’ve looked at just a few of the many AI tools and applications that have been created for responsible learning. No matter which ones you choose, keep the following in mind.
AI Detection Tools in Maintaining Academic Integrity
AI detection tools are essential in upholding academic integrity when using artificial intelligence in education. These tools help detect and control AI-generated content, helping ensure students adhere to ethical guidelines. Artificial Intelligence detection tools can identify whether an example text resembles any AI-generated texts and identify any misuse of AI tools.
Schools using AI detection software can ensure students use artificial intelligence appropriately and cite its contributions accurately while limiting undue reliance on automated assistance. Furthermore, educators can monitor any instances of academic dishonesty or improper AI usage – reinforcing the importance of building personal skills while employing artificial intelligence for support.
How To Ensure Best Study Practices
Even though AI tools and chatbots are constantly being improved, keep in mind that they can provide incorrect responses. In addition, AI tools are still learning when it comes to understanding things like regional speech patterns.
This means you’ll want to:
Fact-check all AI-generated content against reliable sources. You don’t want to spend hours writing an essay, only to discover that your AI-generated research contained some inaccurate facts.
Continue to develop your own analytical and writing skills. The best learning experiences include new discoveries, and you’ll want to reserve these for yourself.
Some Final Thoughts
During your time in school, your ultimate goals are to develop your own skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and subject expertise.
While AI tools can enhance your education experience, following the guidelines within this article can help you maintain academic integrity.
Lastly, when you’re familiar with using AI responsibly, you’ll be better prepared for a future where it will be an integral part of many professions.
