Is GenAI just another tool?

In exploring the landscape of generative AI, a fundamental question arises: Is generative AI simply another tool in the ever-expanding toolbox of technology? What is the difference between using tools like calculators or Grammarly, and GenAI tools? Is GenAI just a technological "study buddy"?

While the use of some tools may be widely accepted and even encouraged, the use of Generative AI in academic settings raises ethical questions about academic integrity and the role of automation in learning and creative processes. It's essential for you to be informed about the policies and ethical considerations associated with using these tools so you can make thoughtful decisions that align with your learning goals and the values of academic integrity.

Comparing Grammarly, Calculators, Study Buddies, and Generative AI

Having a study buddy or using Grammarly, a calculator, and Generative AI in academic work all involve seeking assistance to varying degrees, but they differ in the nature of the assistance they provide, their level of involvement, and associated implications for learning and academic integrity.

Similarities

Task Assistance: All these tools and resources are designed to assist with specific tasks. Grammarly helps with grammar and writing suggestions. Calculators aid in complex mathematical calculations. A real-life study buddy can offer collaboration, proofing, feedback, and task delegation. Generative AI can assist in generating content and analyzing data.
Time-Saving: Each tool can save time and effort. Grammarly helps in proofreading and editing. Calculators speed up mathematical computations. A study buddy can help in brainstorming and clarifying concepts. Generative AI can automate certain tasks, such as writing drafts or data analysis.

Differences

Level of Autonomy: Grammarly and calculators are generally passive tools that require user input and operate based on pre-programmed rules. Study buddies are interactive and involve human-to-human interaction. Generative AI, on the other hand, can autonomously generate content based on patterns it has learned from large datasets when correctly prompted by a user.
Ethical Considerations: While all tools can be used ethically, Generative AI raises specific ethical concerns. Depending on the use, it may challenge the notion of authorship and academic integrity, as it can produce content that closely resembles human-created work.
Complexity of Tasks: Grammarly and calculators focus on specific tasks, while study buddies offer more general academic support. Generative AI's capabilities can range from simple text completion to generating entire essays or conducting data analysis.
Institutional Policies: Many educational institutions and instructors have specific policies regarding the use of tools like Generative AI. Grammarly, calculators, and study buddies are more commonly accepted and integrated into the learning process.
Learning and Understanding: Relying solely on Generative AI might hinder a student's opportunity to engage with the learning process actively. Grammarly and calculators are typically seen as aids to enhance understanding, while study buddies encourage collaborative learning.

Five Levels of AI Use in Academia

The acceptability of employing AI tools for academic work hinges on the specific role AI assumes within the scholarly process. As AI evolves, its involvement spans a spectrum from enhancing technical aspects, like grammar and structure, to generating content, to potentially having the ability to conduct research independently. When AI operates as a grammar enhancer or technical aid, its contribution is widely embraced as it refines the presentation without altering the core content. However, as AI's role progresses towards generating a substantial amount of the content or mimicking academic voices, ethical concerns arise. The extent to which AI influences content creation becomes a defining factor in its acceptability. Striking a balance between AI assistance and preserving the authenticity of individual authorship is pivotal in navigating the evolving landscape of AI integration within academia.

Below is a helpful framework (adapted from Piers Steel, University of Calgary) on how to think about the various levels of GenAI involvement in your work, going from most acceptable to most controversial.

5 levels of AI use in academia, from acceptable (man controls robot) to unethical (robot controls man): Copy Editor, Creative Assistant, Co-author, Independent Researcher, Autonomous Academic. Gray area: levels 2-4.