Written by Thalia trotter
Generative AI is becoming popular these days. Everywhere you go, you read or see articles about AI being used.
Many organizations have published policies regarding the use of AI and what is permissible. It’s not in U of L, but University-wide policy Whether for or against AI, they encourage professors to include their own AI policies in their syllabi.
moreover, report “Students should assume that they are prohibited from using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete assignments or exams unless there is a syllabus policy in place,” said a professor on the Los Angeles University AI Committee. “Misuse of AI will be treated the same as unauthorized assistance or plagiarism, and will be subject to dean discipline.”
In my experience, most professors include policies that do not allow the use of AI in their classes.
However, generative AI does not only involve students. AI-based software and platforms are also becoming more widely available to professors.
Examples of platforms include: pack back. Packback was originally founded as a textbook rental service and transitioned to using AI in 2016.
The platform currently hosts class discussion forums that are graded by an AI algorithm. Posts written by students earn a “curiosity score” determined by AI, and students must achieve a certain score in order to receive full credit. Instead of professors reading every student post and manually grading discussions and assignments, grades are automatically uploaded from Packback to Blackboard.
If students are not expected to use AI to complete their assignments, why should they be forced to use a platform that is graded by an algorithm rather than a professor? It is hypocritical to allow AI to grade student assignments, but then tell students that they will receive zero points for their assignments if they use AI.
Yes, students must complete assignments on their own without the use of generative AI. But professors also need to challenge students’ work and provide feedback.
Platforms like Packback encourage students to do the bare minimum to get the score they need. It also limits actual feedback from professors, which doesn’t help students learn or grow.
Overall, if students aren’t allowed to use AI in U of L courses, professors shouldn’t be using it either.
Talia Trotter is a senior communications student enrolled online at the University of Louisville.
File photo / Louisville Cardinal
