3 Matching Annotations
  1. Jan 2025
    1. Focus on Application and Creativity: Projects thatrequire creative thinking, application of knowledge tonew situations, or the solving of real-world problemscan be more indicative of a student’s own work andunderstanding. A recent article 3 in the Harvard Busi-ness Review, however, states “It [GenAI] can augmentthe creativity of employees and customers and helpthem generate and identify novel ideas”.

      This passage strikes a chord with me because it highlights the importance of focusing on creativity and application in education. As an educator, I’ve seen how projects that push students to think creatively or apply knowledge in new ways reveal their true understanding and skills. It’s a reminder that education should prioritize tasks that require more than just regurgitation of information—tasks where students must think critically and solve problems.

      The Harvard Business Review quote adds an interesting dimension. If GenAI can enhance creativity, then the question isn’t whether to use it but how to use it meaningfully. I can see a scenario where students use GenAI to brainstorm ideas or analyze scenarios, but the real value would come from their ability to refine and apply those ideas in unique ways. Personally, I believe the potential for GenAI to “augment” creativity aligns well with teaching practices that emphasize innovation and collaboration.

      At the same time, this makes me wonder about the balance between GenAI’s contributions and ensuring students are genuinely demonstrating their own capabilities. Could relying on GenAI too much in creative tasks hinder the development of independent thinking? I see a great opportunity here but also a need for clear boundaries and thoughtful integration into learning experiences. How do you think we can strike that balance effectively?

    2. One may be tempted to assume that GenAI tools, likeChatGPT, have negated the need for many types of knowl-edge. Asking for facts, procedures, or an analysis of facts iseasily within the range of many GenAI tools now. However,Neelen and Kirschner (2020) respond to this type of think-ing in detail in the context of learners and the Google searchengine. They address the learning myth, “Google can replacehuman knowledge” by examining types of knowledge (e.g.,propositional, tacit, etc.) and present well-documented argu-ments for such statements as:“Let’s assume for a second that Google can replaceour own knowledge. We’d still have to interpret theinformation that Google gives us to make it meaning-ful” (p. 122) and;“If we’re trying to solve very complex problems, werun into several issues when relying on Google. Themain problems are that we need to know what we’relooking for and that we need to be able to judge theinformation we find based on the knowledge that’s inour head” (p. 130)

      This section makes me reflect on the common misconception that tools like GenAI or even Google can replace human knowledge. As an educator, I see how tempting it might be for students (and even teachers) to rely heavily on these tools, but this dependency can create significant gaps in critical thinking and problem-solving. The quote about interpreting information resonates with me because technology can provide data, but understanding and applying it require skills and context that only humans bring.

      Personally, I agree with the statement that solving complex problems requires more than just finding information online. It reminds me of situations in my professional role where I’ve had to assess the validity of data or consider the nuances of a problem—something no search engine or AI can do without my input and expertise. GenAI can be a powerful assistant, but the “knowledge in our head” is what allows us to navigate ambiguity and discern quality.

      I wonder if relying too much on tools like ChatGPT might weaken students’ ability to critically evaluate information or even know where to start when they don’t have a foundation of knowledge. While GenAI can support learning, I see a real danger if we let it replace the essential process of building and applying our understanding. What do you think—is there a way to balance using these tools without diminishing the development of core skills?

    3. The claim thata new technology can and will solve all of education’sproblems is not new, though history tells us that these so-called technological silver bullets have not produced thepredicted outcomes (see Thomas Edison’s claims aboutthe phonograph and moving pictures (1878, 1888) orNorman (n.d.)). Is GenAI different? Will it destroy edu-cation as we know it? GenAI is fundamentally differentfrom other technologies of the last 20 + years due to itsability to generate original written work that is virtuallyindistinguishable from that of human authors

      This excerpt raises an essential debate about generative AI’s (GenAI) potential in education. As an educator, the skepticism about technological “silver bullets” resonates because history has shown that while innovations can enhance learning, they rarely transform it without systemic change.

      GenAI stands apart because of its creative capacities, but whether it can “solve” education depends on how it’s integrated. The phrasing here implies both potential and caution: while GenAI might revolutionize content creation, it also challenges traditional educational frameworks. For example, its ability to produce human-like writing prompts ethical concerns about originality, assessment, and skill development.

      Personally, the comparison to Edison’s claims highlights a historical pattern of overpromising. However, GenAI’s distinct capabilities could make it more impactful than prior technologies if implemented with a balanced understanding of its strengths and limitations. What do you think about its role in assessing student creativity or fostering collaboration? Philip Hickman