"ChatGPT is a computer program that can understand and respond to text like a person. It's like havinga conversation with a very smart robot," says ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence text generator.
In November of 2022, the computer program ChatGPT generated significant public interest across the globe for its broad applications and commercial value. This AI model demonstrated its ability to perform a variety of tasks, from generating book summaries, recommendations, and personal research assistance, to drafting college SOPs, essays, and emails. According to Ehsan Hoque, Associate Professor of Computer Science at UR, while the concepts used to build ChatGPT are not entirely new, combining them with this AI model marks a significant achievement in the field of AI engineering.
With that being said, the system has also generated contention over its possible violation of academic honesty. The use of ChatGPT for homework assignments is a growing concern for professors across the globe. The University, on the other hand, has not addressed or made a statement on this matter.
There are potential academic violations for homework and exams. One such case is Professor of Political Science and Business David Primo. He entered one of his previous test questions into ChatGPT, and ChatGPT got it exactly correct. Despite concerns, Primo understands that the issue of academic honesty is a concern that has existed and will exist forever. He talks about this as well as the many other negative uses of the internet, saying "The internet makes it easy to spread hateful messages and pirate music, but do you want to go back to a time where you couldn't bank online, or listen to music online?"
Primo also pictures this technological advancement being integrated into classes and assessments in the future. "Universities should move slowly here and let faculty members experiment with various approaches to AI and adapt to a world of AI," said Primo.
