We asked Perplexity.ai to present the most useful AI tools for students, highlighting the associated ethical concerns. Here is the answer, we hope to be food for thought for our students and instructors
The three most useful AI tools for students are personalized learning platforms, AI-based writing assistants, and educational chatbots. These tools offer various benefits, such as tailored learning experiences, improved writing skills, and instant academic support. However, their use raises ethical concerns related to fairness, bias, and the potential for misuse.
Personalized Learning Platforms
Personalized learning platforms use AI to customize learning to each student’s needs, adapting to different learning styles and speeds (3). The benefits of personalized learning include:
- Moving students along at their own pace
- Allowing students to take initiative for their own education
- Giving students tech skills
- Helping students learn from each other
- Sidestepping problems with standardized tests (1).
AI-Based Writing Assistants
AI-based writing assistants, such as ChatGPT, help students improve their writing skills and generate innovative thoughts (3). The benefits of AI writing assistants include:
- Helping students improve their writing skills
- Fostering critical thinking and creativity
- Providing language support for non-native English speakers
- Offering personalized suggestions and support based on specific writing style and abilities (3).
Educational Chatbots
Educational chatbots provide instant academic support and guidance to students (3). The benefits of educational chatbots include:
- Offering instant academic support and guidance
- Enhancing the overall academic performance of students
- Contributing to a more efficient and effective learning process (3).
Ethical Concerns
The use of these AI tools raises ethical concerns, including:
- Potential for bias and discrimination
- Misuse as a substitute for human effort or critical thinking
- Risk of exacerbating existing inequalities and lack of accessibility (2, 6)
In conclusion, personalized learning platforms, AI-based writing assistants, and educational chatbots are among the most useful AI tools for students, offering significant benefits. However, it is important to address the ethical concerns related to their use to ensure that their implementation is fair, unbiased, and does not lead to misuse or exacerbate existing inequalities.
References suggested
(1) S. O’Rourke. 6 benefits of personalized learning
(4) Carleton Univ. Ethical issues in AI
(6) J. Evanick. Ethical Dilemmas In Student Data Privacy: Navigating EdTech Safeguards
