Mickey Mann January 7, 2025

While experts recognize the possible misuses of AI in classrooms — including plagiarism — they agree that educating teachers and students on what the black box of AI is will be essential to its potential use for good.

When cavemen first saw the spark of a flame, they likely felt a mixture of awe, wonder and fear at the powerful new tool. When the printing press was invented it promised widespread access to writing, but it also threatened the jobs of scribes.

Writing itself was once feared as a disruptive technology. The philosopher Socrates famously opposed the written word, concerned it would replace meaningful conversation and intellectual engagement.

Today, artificial intelligence once again stirs fear of the unknown, particularly in the case of education. Skeptical universities across the country have banned AI software and Large Language Models (LLMs) like Chat GPT from their classrooms.

However, some educators in Bellingham are cautiously optimistic about AI’s potential to benefit students, especially English language learners (ESLs) and students with disabilities, by providing much-needed support. But is fear of the unknown holding back this technology from reaching its full potential?

Disponível em: <https://salish-current.org/2025/01/07/fear-of-the-unknownai-anxiety-in-academia/>. Acesso em: 20 jan. 2025. [Adaptado].