Navigating the Uncertain Landscape of Generative AI at Northwestern
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly popular among Northwestern students, the University community is grappling with the implications of this technology on academic norms and student learning. The lack of a uniform AI policy across the University has led to confusion among students, with different departments and professors implementing their own guidelines.
Jenny Jang, a reporter for the Daily Northwestern, notes that while the University provides guidance to professors on considering AI use, the Office of the Provost does not impose specific restrictions. This has resulted in a diverse range of approaches to AI in the classroom. For instance, some instructors encourage limited AI use with proper citation, while others ban it outright.
Freshman Aanya Sahu expressed her confusion regarding the varying AI policies across different classes and departments. “Personally, the rules regarding AI are confusing,” she said, highlighting the uncertainty that many students face. On the other hand, freshman Alice Ping, who studies electrical engineering, views generative AI as a valuable academic resource. She uses AI to gather preliminary research and work through challenging problems, believing that it will become an essential tool for STEM majors in the future.
Professors are also adapting to the changing landscape of AI in academia. Philosophy Professor Megan Hyska allows her students to use AI for brainstorming, refining research questions, and checking grammar, but prohibits its use for writing complete sentences or papers. She acknowledged the challenges of enforcing AI policies, as it can be difficult to detect when students are violating the rules.
In contrast, Spanish and Portuguese Professor Alfonso Fierro encourages creative experimentation with AI. He cited an example of a student who used AI to transform a poem into a song, creating both rap and rock versions. Fierro believes that AI should not only be tolerated but used creatively to enhance learning.
As the Northwestern community continues to navigate the implications of generative AI, students, departments, and professors are learning to adapt by experimenting with new assignments and approaches. Fierro emphasized the importance of using AI in critical ways that benefit students while maintaining academic integrity.
The diverse perspectives on AI at Northwestern reflect the broader conversation about the role of technology in education. As AI continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the University will balance the benefits and challenges of this technology in academic settings.
