As the capabilities of AI technology continue to grow at a rapid rate, there is much to explore regarding just what this new technology is able to do. With this newfound technology comes the opinions of those newly exposed to it, leaving room for debate about what is considered “right” and “wrong”. As I delve into the vast capabilities of AI and the benefits of this technology, I find it important to state that I am not fond of artificial intelligence and find the cons to majorly outweigh the benefits. Although I am not in support of the use and rapid development of AI, I feel it is important to analyze the positives of AI and recognize the way this technology can help people. By looking deeper into classroom resources and researching what AI can do, I believe there will be evidence found that allows me to better understand this technology and appreciate what it can do for our society.
One of the major fields in which AI is becoming increasingly popular is the medical field. The development of AI tools in the medical field has been a massive change in the way that our medical professionals treat patients and ensure their recovery. In the resource entitled, “VisualDx, a Rochester-based company, and its DermExpert Product that has quite purposely sought to be inclusive with the incredible variety of human complexions,” The website discusses a new app in which individuals may take photos of their skin conditions and be diagnosed with dermatological conditions. The app was specifically designed so that people of color will not be marginalized and can use the app to be properly diagnosed. The description of the app states, “For over 20 years, VisualDx has been committed to providing a comprehensive resource for medical images across all skin types. We know the importance of helping healthcare professionals with the challenges and subtleties of recognizing skin changes in patients with darker skin pigmentation”(visualDx). I find this technology to be incredibly beneficial, being that individuals are working to develop a program in which people of all skin types can be properly diagnosed and treated. It is important to note that there have been issues with AI marginalizing people of color and treating these individuals with bias. In the article entitled, “Medical Algorithms Are Failing Communities of Color” the text states, “In fact, a 2019 study found that risk-prediction algorithms led to Black patients receiving less quality care than their non-Black counterparts”(Christensen et al). With the flaws in this technology, I feel it is mandatory to recognize the harmful effects it has had on people of color. Therefore if this bias could be eradicated, then I would feel this technology is incredibly beneficial and important to be developed further. As AI continues to become more capable, I hope to see this bias extinguished so that all individuals may use this technology in confidence. It is evident that we are headed in the right direction as apps like VisualDx are people developed constructively.
Another area in which artificial intelligence sparks my interest is that of the education field. As someone who is going to school to become a high school English teacher, I often think about how AI will show up in my classroom including positive and negative ways. As this technology grows, there is simply no way to completely eliminate AI use whether it is sanctioned by me, as the educator, or not. I find it important to recognize the negative impacts AI has had on the education system however I also believe it’s important to appreciate the benefits AI can have on individuals who may need extra assistance. In the article, “AI plagiarism is spreading in US colleges. It’s left professors feeling confused and exhausted.” the article discusses how student use of AI has been an immense stressor for professors and educators however it also mentions how it may help students. The article states, “While he acknowledged there are some acceptable uses — for example, students with English as a second language using the tech to polish up essays — he says the shift is still a minefield for professors trying to determine what is and isn’t plagiarism”(Nolan). I think that AI can be an incredibly powerful tool for those who may need support in terms of their education. For students learning English, it is certainly more difficult to write a paper that is of equal rigor as a student who is a fluent English speaker. I hope for AI to be used in a way that levels the playing field and makes the education system more equitable for students. If this technology is developed accurately and in a way that doesn’t compromise the education system, then I would be in full support of this AI technology and would consider integrating it into my own classroom. I believe there is still a way to go in terms of making sure this technology doesn’t interfere with academic intelligence however I find this use of AI to be a positive for students if it is being used to learn and grow as a writer and independent thinker. In another article, “Parents sue their son’s school for punishing his AI use, heralding a messy future” the article states a student who was punished for using AI on a paper. In the article it states, “According to a federal court filing, the parents said their son was punished for using artificial intelligence to ‘prepare the initial outline and research’ for a history paper on a civil rights activist. The parents said in the filing that AI was not used to write the paper and noted that it included citations and a works cited page”(Nelken-Zitser). I find it hard to necessarily decipher this situation and explain where I stand on this particular issue however I do think it’s interesting to talk about the use of AI in helping to complete assignments. For one, it’s important to reiterate that this student did not use AI to write the paper itself but just to generate an outline for the paper and do research. In this sense, I think AI may actually be a useful tool. Although it’s important for students to be creative on their own and complete their own work, I think that using AI can help students develop new perspectives or ideas and potentially look at issues from a new angle. If this technology is being used only to generate ideas and give students new insights, then I feel this technology could be beneficial in an educational setting. This technology is harmful when students use the technology to do the “heavy lifting” and write the paper itself. I hope to a kind of artificial intelligence developed that is school-sanctioned so that there is a sight that is permitted for students to use. I feel if there was a “school friendly” AI that only provided students with basic outlines and ideas, then students wouldn’t feel the need to sneak AI use and use it in a toxic manner. There is certainly a long way to go in developing AI use that is morally sound for the education system however I believe that if this technology is made, it can greatly benefit students of all academic abilities. The use of AI to generate outlines and ideas could help students struggling with ADHD or those who struggle to organize their thoughts in a way that fits into the traditional essay mold. Overall I believe AI can reach a point of being of great use for students in the classroom setting with time and patience.
In analyzing AI, it is evident that there is much to consider. AI is a powerful tool that can cause great amounts of harm as well as benefit for people from all walks of life. As someone who is unsure of AI and strays on the side of caution about its benefits, I have a new sense of hope for the future of this technology and feel it is capable of helping people in many ways. As we move forward as a society, it is important to keep in mind that we are capable of creating a narrative around AI that is greatly positive and continue with a mindset of growth and morality, instead of deception and misuse.
Link to Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Im3YCG3TBgzemyTBz-GAv72WYW3v3vtZ2_gE8vuFrmg/edit?tab=t.0