Written by Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools
In today's rapidly evolving world, education must adapt and address the challenges students and institutions of learning face. The growing significance of AI in enhancing academic learning and integrity needs to be introduced and emphasized. Instead of assuming that students are uninterested in learning, we should strive to create assessments that capture the proper knowledge and make the process enjoyable. It's essential to protect our student’s intellectual property and shift our mindset about integrity from a mere pursuit of catching wrongdoers to safeguarding intellectual property. Let's embark on this journey together and revolutionize education through the power of AI.
Research indicates that students have an innate inclination to learn when they have autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Deci & Ryan, 2000). When these needs are satisfied, students exhibit an intrinsic motivation for learning, reducing the likelihood of cheating. However, despite this natural desire, some students still resort to academic dishonesty when they feel pressure to achieve high grades or lack confidence in their abilities (McCabe, Trevino, & Butterfield, 2001). Students may feel compelled to cheat because of perceived high expectations and competition rather than a genuine lack of interest in learning. Institutional factors also play a role when academic environments prioritize understanding and mastery, and cheating is less likely to occur. Additionally, when students perceive their classroom as supportive and fair, they are less prone to cheat, highlighting the importance of creating a conducive learning environment (Murdock, Miller, & Kohlhardt, 2004).
AI is transforming education by revolutionizing how we learn and promoting academic integrity. It uses intelligent algorithms to identify and fill knowledge gaps, making learning more engaging and enjoyable for students. AI-powered educational games encourage active participation and provide personalized learning experiences. AI tutoring systems emulate human tutors, fostering independent learning and academic growth. Additionally, AI detects plagiarism, ensures the authenticity of content, and facilitates fair online testing. By analyzing student performance data, AI generates valuable insights for education improvement. When used correctly, AI can protect a student’s academic property and create a supportive environment where achievements are celebrated and plagiarism is a thing of the past.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, we must recognize the importance of academic integrity and how AI can be a powerful ally in upholding it. When used thoughtfully, AI supports academic integrity, from plagiarism detection to personalized learning experiences. AI can revolutionize education and open new possibilities for educators and students alike. It is time for us to embrace what's possible and reimagine the future of education through AI. We must seize this opportunity to harness the power of this remarkable tool and pave the way for more innovative solutions to our most significant problems in education.
1. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
2. McCabe, D. L., Trevino, L. K., & Butterfield, K. D. (2001). Cheating in academic institutions: A decade of research. Ethics & Behavior, 11(3), 219-232.
3. Murdock, T. B., Miller, A. H., & Kohlhardt, J. (2004). The relationship of perceived motivational climate to cheating among college students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 96(3), 604-613.
Published on 7/13/2023