AI in Education: Should Teachers Disclose Their Use?

A Summer of AI Experimentation

This summer, many educators are exploring the potential of AI tools for enhancing their teaching materials. With a surge in tools featuring ChatGPT announced recently, instructors are utilizing AI to refine presentations, design tests, and create homework assignments.

The Question of Disclosure

Amidst the rise of generative AI in educational settings, an important question emerges: Should teachers disclose their use of AI to students? As students are increasingly required to declare when they utilize AI for academic work, should educators follow suit?

Concerns Surrounding AI Use

This inquiry is rooted in the widespread apprehension regarding students using AI to complete assignments and essays. If transparency is expected from students, then is it not equally important for educators to uphold the same standard?

Watkins’ Commitment to Transparency

Marc Watkins, a lecturer of writing and rhetoric at the University of Mississippi, intends to be transparent with his students about his use of AI in developing course materials. As the director of the university’s AI Summer Institute for Teachers of Writing, he believes it’s crucial to model honesty in AI usage.

The Complexity of AI Use in Education

While it seems logical for instructors to disclose their AI use, Watkins highlights the complexities involved. A culture persists among educators where materials are often sourced from the internet without proper citation. Likewise, K-12 teachers access various educational resources, yet seldom share the origins of these materials with their students.

The Case for AI Watermarking

Watkins encountered a situation where a popular learning management system showcased an AI feature allowing materials to be created effortlessly. He proposed that a watermark be included to denote AI-generated content but received little support from the developers.

Survey Insights on Disclosure Practices

A recent Education Week survey revealed that approximately 80% of K-12 educators feel disclosing AI use in lesson planning is unnecessary. Many view AI as similar to using a calculator or relying on textbook content.

Context Matters in AI Usage

Experts argue that the necessity of disclosure varies based on the AI’s application. For example, using AI to improve a text draft might not require a disclosure, but teachers should communicate their use of AI in grading assignments.

Leading by Example: Alana Winnick

Educational technology director Alana Winnick from Pocantico Hills Central School District emphasizes the importance of clarity regarding AI use. She includes a note in her emails indicating that her messages were enhanced using AI, encouraging normalization of such practices.

Temporary vs. Permanent Practices

Winnick, who authored a book on AI in education, views her disclosure as a temporary measure aimed at fostering understanding. She believes that within a decade, this level of transparency may no longer be necessary.

Different Perspectives on AI Feedback

Jane Rosenzweig, director of the Harvard College Writing Center, asserts that teachers should disclose AI use when it directly affects student evaluation. She emphasizes that students expect feedback from their instructors, not from automated tools.

Community Opinions on Disclosure

In discussions surrounding AI utilization in instruction, some educators view disclosure as an opportunity to educate students about AI tool usage, aligning their practices with expectations set for students.

Seeking Policy Guidance

In light of the emergence of ChatGPT, educational institutions are rushing to develop policies regarding AI use. However, many of these guidelines do not address whether teachers should inform students about their use of AI tools, a gap identified by industry leaders.

TeachAI’s Recommendations

TeachAI’s toolkit suggests that both teachers and students need to disclose their use of AI systems. However, perspectives vary based on the significance of AI’s role in lesson planning and grading.

Challenges in Citing AI

Even if educators decide to disclose AI usage, citing AI-generated content can be complicated. Existing citation frameworks fall short when applied to AI, complicating adherence to traditional academic standards.

The Disparity in Expectations

Educational leaders argue that the differing expectations for students and educators must be acknowledged. Teachers aim to enhance efficiency and should be aware of the implications of their AI use.

The Future of AI in Education

Clear policies regarding AI use will help establish expectations in educational settings. As institutions develop these guidelines, the question of disclosure will hopefully receive more focused attention.

Conclusion

As AI continues to integrate into educational practices, the debate over disclosure is likely to evolve. Transparency might pave the way for more ethical use of AI in teaching, aligning the expectations placed on students with those on their instructors.