Can we really rely on the integrity of all students to turn away from a generative AI that does what you tell it to? ChatGPT is “a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations…”

Globally, this intelligent chatbot has become accessible to students, teachers, parents, and others. From highschool, to universities, this AI is being predominantly used by students to write  essays, emails, and other works that pertain to writing. Many teachers are becoming aware of this potential threat and opinions vary.

“This morning I caught two of my students cop and pasting the prompt into chatGPT and cheating from there”, states Stephanie Rojas, an AP Government/Economics teacher at NHHS. She expresses her concern for this new form of technology and hopes that more of her students don’t fall into these methods of cheating.

“My students already know that cheating in my class and just in general is unacceptable. I always want my students to never feel the need to cheat because I’m always here to help them,” Rojas adds. Many of her students are aware of this and know just how serious Ms. Rojas takes work ethic into account.

On March the 3rd, Rojas explains how she had to have her students work on their assignment in class in order to prevent cheating, “You know, right when the bell rings they know they have to hit submit in the assignment and if they didn’t finish I’ve given them the option to come in during lunch or after school.”

“I’m not totally surprised because I mean I feel like cheating is something that’s just been going on even before ChatGPT. I know a lot of students use websites like quizlet, brainly, and coursehero…” Leadra Gharabegi states, an english teacher in NHHS. 

“I don’t think there’s anything we could do to prevent this because somehow or someway, there’s always other places where they can seek ‘support’ on their assignments,” she continues. Cheating is something that many students choose to pursue when they feel that they’ve hit a dead end or simply because they do not have the time or energy to apply their mental efforts. 

Sara Buccalo, another teacher who teaches government, states that she has never had any students mention this application and then she too has never heard of it. “I had no clue of what this was but now I’m glad I do. I think it’s important to make students aware of the consequences of cheating.”

Moreover, some teachers express different points of view and sentiments towards this new AI and its potential risks.

“I don’t think the situation is all that serious, i mean i had never heard of it and i know all of my friends feel the same way” states Shane Black, a senior in SAS. She expresses her confusion with the concern for this “cheating AI” and does not believe it is that severe.

“I had not heard of it until you brought it up but I don’t think it poses a threat in our learning,” stated Jocletn Sandoval, a senior in SAS. Her among many students too don’t have a clue as to what this cheating AI is.

Moreover, there are mixed thoughts about ChatGPT. The majority of students believe that it’s use is being over exaggerated while some teachers want to prevent further cheating.