Over the summer, I worked as a remote marketing intern at G&A Partners in Houston, Texas. I was often asked to use ChatGPT as a tool to guide me through quick research and summarization. It served as a resource to provide inspiration and creativity.
Educators continue to ask whether Generative AI should be banned. Students have often abused the use of the many forms of Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Jasper. College students commonly use it to write essays and cheat on homework assignments.
When used properly and ethically, I believe that Generative AI has its place in higher education. In departments like marketing or mass communications, professors should consider allowing their students to use programs like ChatGPT. After graduation, students within these fields will often be asked by their companies to utilize Generative AI in their research and creative endeavors.
The American Psychological Association believes that ChatGPT is a useful tool for learning. The association argues that ChatGPT encourages greater critical thinking. “Many psychology instructors are already experimenting with the software, recognizing that ChatGPT could be a useful tool to prepare students for the real world where critical thinking is more important than rote memorization.”
While Generative AI can be used as a tool for students, those in higher education should consider whether it is a help or a hindrance. The use of Generative AI should depend on the department and professors within the department at a college. Professors should consider their course goals
and whether it is a good tool or skill for students to use in practice. If precautions and expectations are clearly statedto the students, it can safely be used in upper-level education.
One should recognize that the use of Generative AI within the workforce will not be leaving our society. Chad Brooks, managing editor of Business.com, has researched on the prevalence of ChatGPT in the American workplace. “Fifty-seven percent of American workers have tried ChatGPT, and sixteen percent regularly use ChatGPT at work,” Brooks said.
The rise of ChatGPT should be taken into account by educators. Marketing and mass communications professors canteach students how to ethically use ChatGPT. Above all, there should be a level of trust between the student andteacher. Professors should clearly set certain expectations for the students to ensure academic honesty.