As I prepare to return to the classroom after a year-long sabbatical, I’m left wondering how much has changed, particularly in terms of student use of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent report by Beth McMurtrie at The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights the growing concern among professors about the increasing use of AI in student assignments. Professor Jeff Wilson of the University of Waterloo estimates that around 25% of his students used generative AI in their assignments, leading to a sense of despair and frustration among faculty members. The ease of using AI tools, combined with the lack of guidance and support from administrators, has created a challenging landscape for professors who are trying to maintain the integrity of their assignments. While some professors see AI as a threat to authentic learning, others believe it can enhance the learning experience. However, there is a growing consensus that administrators need to provide more support and guidance for faculty members to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape.

AI in the Classroom – A Growing Concern
“I’ve been teaching at this university for 17 years and suddenly this comes along to devalue everything I’ve done to become a caring, competent instructor, and the students are creating make-work for me.”
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