Currently, humans live alongside artificial intelligence and continue to adapt to its presence. One aspect of human life that is significantly impacted by the existence of artificial intelligence (AI) is the field of education. In higher education, AI tools like ChatGPT have a profound effect on the lives of academics and students.
So, is the impact of ChatGPT an opportunity or a challenge?
The ChatGPT service makes it easier for students and academics to obtain information that supports learning and teaching. It responds according to the questions posed by users. Moreover, ChatGPT can serve as an assistant in helping to search for scientific journals, research proposals, academic writing, and the frameworks that comprise them, such as research methodologies and literature reviews. On the other hand, the challenges posed by ChatGPT can facilitate massive plagiarism among students and academics, and diminish analytical and critical thinking skills.
Therefore, the opportunities and challenges presented must be addressed through adaptation. Students and academics must be prepared to learn more by verifying the accuracy of the answers provided by ChatGPT. Although this AI offers ease of access to information, ChatGPT is not free from errors in the information it provides, such as rigid and less accurate answers. As stated by Danrivanto Budhijanto, an expert in Cyber Law at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Padjajaran, in hukumonline.com, AI only generates information and not knowledge and understanding. Thus, students and academics must delve deeper using additional and more reliable references.
Certainly, the opportunities and challenges are not only faced by students and academics but also by the universities that support them. With the presence of AI, universities must also provide clear regulations and guidelines regarding the use of AI in academic fields. According to UNESCO via kompas.com, less than 10% of educational institutions have guidelines for AI usage. Many educational institutions still do not understand how to use AI to minimize violations, plagiarism, and to adhere to academic ethics. This issue must be taken seriously by all universities given the rapid development of AI and its unavoidable use.